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BUCHAN'S
Domestic Medicine.
HALIFAX.
MILNER AND SOWERBY
DOMESTIC MEDICINE:
or,
A TREATISE
FOR
THE PREVENTION AND CURE
OF
DISEASES,
BY REGIMEN AND SIMPLE MEDICINES:
WITHI
AN APPENDIX,
CONTAINING
A DISPENSATORY FOR PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS.
2m 1721-1805
BY W. BUCHAN, M.D.,
FELLOW OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PHYSICIANS, EDINBURGH.
A NEW EDITION,
CONTAINING NEW TREATISES ON SEA-BATHING, MINERAL
WATERS, VACCINE INOCULATION, &c., &c.
HALIFAX :
MILNER AND SOWERBY,
1859.
BUHR | GRAD
RJ
61
3881
1859
BOHR IGRAL
CONTENTS.
Preface
PAGE
Of the knowledge and
cure of diseases.........
Fevers in general
Of intermitting Fevers
or Agues....
Of an acute continual
Fever
Of the Pleurisy
Hooping Cough.
xi Inflammation of the
Stomach
1 Inflammation of the In-
testines.....……….
PAGE
95
99
101
104
108
of the
111
112
7 Inflammation of the Kid-
3
Of the Colic...
neys
12 Inflammation
17
Bladder.....
Bastard Pleurisy 23 Inflammation of the Li-
Paraphrenitis ib.
Inflammation
Lungs
.....
Of Consumptions
Of the slow or nervous
ver.
Of the Cholera Morbus,
and other excessive
discharges from the
stomach and bowels... 115
A Diarrhoea, or loose-
...
of the
24
27
Fever
38
Malignant, putrid, or
ness
spotted Fever
42
Vomiting
Miliary Fever...
50
Remitting Fever
54
The Small-pox
56
66
70
rine
71
The Measles
Scarlet Fever.....
Bilious Fever.....
St. Anthony's Fire
Inflammation
Brain
of the
Inflammation of the
Eyes
The Quinsey
Malignant ditto....
.....
The Diabetes, and o-
ther disorders of the
117
119
Kidneys and Bladder. 121
Suppression of U-
123
Gravel and Stone 124
72 Involuntary discharges
of blood
126
76 Bleeding at the nose....... 126
Bleeding and blind Piles 130
79 Spitting of Blood
84 Vomiting of ditto
133
136
88 Bloody Urine
137
Flux......
140
94 of the Head-ache......... 145
Colds and Coughs......... 92
A common Cough
viii
CONTENTS.
PAGE
PAGE
Of the Tooth-ache ...... 149
Ear-aclie
..... 150
Of Vegetable Poisons... 228
Bites of Poisonous ani-
Pain of the Stomach, &c.
152
mals ....
230
Of Worms
153
Bite of a mad-dog
ib.
the Jaundice……………..
157
the Viper
237
Dropsy
160 Of Virulent Gonorrhæa 238
Gout
164
Gleets
245
Rheumatism
168
Swelled Testicle
248
......
Scurvy
171
Buboes
249
Scrophula
174
Chancres
250
Itch .....
178
a Confirmed Lues or
Asthma
180
Pox
253
Apoplexy
Costiveness
Want of appetite
Heartburn
Nervous Diseases.
Melancholy
183
the Menstrual dis-
186
charge
257
188 Pregnancy
201
189 Child-birth
267
191 | Barrenness
274
195 Diseases of Children...... 275
the Palsy
198 Of the Meconium
276
J
the Epilepsy, or Fall-
the
Aphthæ
or
ing Sickness
200
Thrush...
277
Hiccup
203
Acidities....
278
Cramp of the stomach 204
Galling and Excoria-
Night-Mare
206
tion
280
Swoonings...
207
Flatulencies, or wind 209
Stoppage of the Nose
Of Vomiting
ib.
281
Low-spirits
211
Hysteric Affections... 212
Hypochondriac Affec-
tions
Disorders of the Senses... 218
a Looseness
Eruptions
the Croup
282
......
283
•
296
215
Teething........
287
the Rickets
289
Eye
ib.
Convulsions
292
A Gutta Serena............
ib.
Water in the Head... 294
A Cataract
219 Bleeding
295
a distance.....
Squinting.....
Blood-shot Eye
Watery or Weeping Eye
Short-Sightedness......
Seeing only at too great
Spots or Specks............ ib. Bruises...………………………………………………... 302
Of a Schirrus and Cancer 221 Dislocation of the Jaw... 305
ib. Inflammations & Absces-
CS
296
ib. Wounds
298
220 Burns
301
ib. Ulcers
ib. Of Dislocations ....
303
304
Poisons
Mineral Poisons
226
227
Shoulder 306
Elbow... 307
CONTENTS.
ix
PAGE
Of Broken Bones, &c.... 307
310
311
stopped
313
318.
...
between the Mouth
Strains
Ruptures
Substances
and Stomach ....
Drowned Persons
Of Fainting Fits, and
other cases which re-
Effects of extreme Cold 321
quire immediate as-
sistance....
PAGE
322
326
Of Suffocation & Strang-
·ling
Cold Bathing, with
remarks on the cases
in which the Warm
Bath is more advisable 327
Mineral Waters
$33
the Cow-Pox............ 341
CONTE NTS OF THE APPENDIX.
Introduction ............... 349 Fomentations............... 387
List of Simples
General Catalogue of Infusions
356 Gargles..
365
890
Medicines
359 Julaps
392
Mixtures
$24
MEDICAL PREPARATIONS.
Ointments,
Liniments,
Cerates
390
Balsams
368 Pills
399
Boluses....
869 Plasters
403
Cataplasms and Sina-
Poultices
406
pisms........
371 Powders
407

Clysters
372 Syrups
411
Extracts
Collyria, or Eye-waters 374 Tinctures, Elixirs, &c, ... 412
Confections
Conserves and Preserves ib. Waters, by Infusion, &c 420
Decoctions
Draughts
Electuaries
Emulsions
878 Simple distilled Waters 421
381 Spirituous distilled Wa-
382 ters.......
385 Wheys
422
423
424
376 Vinegars
417
$85 Wines
PREFACE.
WHEN I first signified my intention of publishing the fol
lowing sheets, I was told, by my friends, it would draw
on me the resentment of the whole. Faculty. As I never
could entertain such an unfavourable idea, I was resolv
ed to make the experiment, which indeed came out pret-
ty much as might have been expected. Many, whose
learning and liberality of sentiments do honour to medi-
cine, received the book in a manner which at once show-
ed their indulgence, and the falsity of the opinion that every
Physician wishes to conceal his art; while the more sel-
fish and narrow-minded, generally the more numerous
in every profession, have not failed to persecute both the
book and its Author.
The reception, however, which this work has met with
from the public, merits my most grateful acknowledg-
ments. As the best way of expressing these, I have en-
deavoured to render it more generally useful, by add-
ing many articles which had been entirely omitted in the
former impression. It is needless to enumerate these ad-
ditions: I shall only say, that I hope they will be found
real improvements.
The application of medicine to the various occupations
of life, has been in general the result of observation. An
extensive practice for several years, in one of the largest
manufacturing towns in England, afforded me sufficient
opportunities of observing the injuries which these use-
ful people sustain from their particular employments, and
likewise of trying various methods of obviating such in-
juries. The success which attended these trials was suf-
ficient to encourage this attempt, which I hope will be
of use to those who are under the necessity of earning
their bread by such employments as are unfavourable to
health.
The observations concerning Air, Exercise, &c. are
of a more general nature, and have not escaped the at
xii
PREFACE.
tention of physicians in any age. They are subjects of
too great importance, however, to be passed over in an
attempt of this kind, and can never be sufficiently recom-
mended. The man who pays a proper attention to these,
will seldom need a physician; and he who does not, will
seldom enjoy health, let him employ as many physicians
as he pleases.
In the treatment of diseases, I have been peculiarly at-
tentive to regimen. The generality of people lay too much
stress upon Medicine, and trust too little to their own en-
deavours. It is always in the power of the patient, or
of those about him, to do as much towards his recovery
as can be effected by the physician. By not attending
to this, the designs of Medicine are often frustrated; and
the patient, by pursuing a wrong plan of regimen, not
only defeats the Doctor's endeavours, but renders them
dangerous.
To render the book more generally useful, however, as
well as more acceptable to the intelligent part of man-
kind, I have, in most diseases, besides regimen, recom-
mended some of the most simple and approved forms of
medicine, and added such cautions and directions as
seemed necessary for their safe administration,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND CURE OF
DISEASES.
THE cure of diseases does not depend so much upon.
scientific principles. By attending and observing
the various occurrences in diseases, a great degree
of accuracy may be acquired in distinguishing their
symptoms, and in the application of medicines.
Ilence nurses often foresee the patient's fate soon-
er than those who have been bred to physic.
1
Disease may be considered as an assemblage of
symptoms, and must be distinguished by those
which are most obvious and permanent. Therefore
it will be best to give a full description of each par-
ticular disease as it occurs; and where the symp-
toms of one disease have a near resemblance to those
of another, to notice that circumstance, and at the
same time to point out the peculiar symptoms by
which it may be distinguished. By a due attention
to these, the investigation of diseases will be found
to be a less difficult matter than at first imagined.
Attention to the patient's age, sex, temper of mind,
constitution, and manner of life, will assist, both in
the investigation and treatment of diseases.
In childhood the fibres are lax and soft, the nerves
extremely irritable, and the fluids thin; whereas in
old age, the fibres are rigid, the nerves become al-
most insensible, and many of the vessels impervia-
ble. These peculiarities render the diseases of the
young and aged very different, hence a different me-
thod of treatment.
179
A
2
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
Females are liable to many diseases which do not
afflict the other sex: the nervous system being more
irritable than in men, their diseases require greater
caution. They cannot bear large evacuations; and
stimulating medicines ought to be given them spar-
ingly.
A delicate person, who lives mostly within doors,
must not be treated in the same manner as one who
is hardy and robust, who is exposed to the open
air.
The temper and mind ought to be attended to in
diseases. When the mind is affected, the best me-
dicine is to soothe the passions, to divert the mind,
and to keep the patient as cheerful as possible.
Attention ought to be paid to the climate, or place
where the patient lives, the air he breathes, his diet,
&c. Such as live in low marshy situations are sub-
ject to many diseases which are unknown to the in-
habitants of high countries. Those who breathe
the impure air of cities, have many maladies to
which the more happy rustics are strangers. Those
who feed grossly, and take strong liquors, are liable
to diseases which do not affect the temperate and
abstemious, &c.
It will be proper to inquire, whether the disease
be constitutional or accidental; whether of long or
short duration; whether it proceeds from sudden
alteration in the diet, manner of life, &c. The state
of the body, and of the other evacuations, ought al-
so to be inquired into aud if he can with ease per-
form all the vital and animal functions, as breathing,
digestion, &c.
:
Lastly, inquire to what diseases the patient has
been liable, what medicines were most beneficial to
him; if aversion to any particular drug, &c.
Diet is always the first thing to be attended to in
the treatment of diseases.
Medicines are useful in their places; and when
taken with prudence may do much good; but when
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
3
they are put in place of everything else, or admin-
istered at random, which is not seldom the case, they
must do mischief.
Disease weakness the digestive powers. The diet
ought, in all diseases, to be light and of easy diges-
tion.
In all fevers, attended with inflammation, as pleu-
risies, thin gruels, wheys, watery infusions, roots,
&c. are proper for the patient's food; they are the
best medicines that can be taken.
The scurvy, that most obstinate malady, will
sooner yield to a proper vegetable diet, than to all
the boasted antiscorbutic remedies of the shops.
In consumptions, when the humours are vitiated,
and the stomach so much weakened as to be unable
to digest the solid fibres of animals or juices of ve-
getables, a diet consisting chiefly of milk will sup-
port the patient, and often cure the disease.
Nor is the attention of other things of less import-
ance than diet. The strange infatuation to shut up
the sick from all communication with the external
air, not only in fevers but in other diseases; the pa-
tient will receive more benefit from having the fresh
air prudently admitted into his chamber, than from
all the medicines which can be given him.
Exercise may be considered as a medicine. Sail-
ing, or riding on horseback, will be of more service
in the cure of consumptions, &c. than any medicine
yet known. In diseases which proceed from a re-
laxed state of the solids, the cold bath, and other
parts of the gymnastic regimen, will be found equal-
ly beneficial.
OF FEVERS IN GENERAL.
As one half of mankind is said to perish by fevers,
it is of importance to be acquainted with their caus-
es. The most general causes of fevers are, infection,
errors in diet, unwholesome air, violent emotions of the
4
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
mind, excess or suppression of usual evacuations, cxter-
nal or internal injuries, and extreme degrees of heat
or cold.
In
Fevers are the most frequent of all diseases.
the most simple species of fever there is always a
combination of several different symptoms. The
distinguishing symptoms of fever are, increased heat,
frequency of pulse, loss of appetite, general debility,
pain in the head, and a difficulty in performing some of
the vital or animal functions. The other symptoms
usually attendant on fevers are, nausea, thirst, anx-
iety, delirium, weariness, wasting of the flesh, want
of sleep, or the sleep disturbed and not refreshing.
When the fever comes on gradually, the patient
generally complains first of languor, or listlessness,
soreness of the flesh or the bones, heaviness of the
head, loss of appetite, sickness, and clamminess of
the mouth; after some time come on excessive heat,
violent thirst, restlessness, &c.
When the fever attacks suddenly, it always begins
with an uneasy sensation of excessive cold, accom-
panied with debility and loss of appetite; frequent-
ly the cold is attended with shivering, oppression
about the heart, and sickness at the stomach, or
vomiting.
Fevers are divided into continual, remitting, in-
termitting, and such as are attended with cutaneous
eruption or topical inflammation, as the small-pox,
erysipelas, &c. By a continual fever is meant that
which never leaves the patient during the whole
course of the disease, or which shows no remarkable
increase or abatement in the symptoms. This kind
of fever is likewise divided into acute, slow, and ma-
lignant. The fever is called acute when its progress
is quick and the symptoms violent; but when these
are more gentle, it is generally denominated slow.
When livid or petechial spots show a putrid state of
the humours, the fever is called malignant, putrid, or
peicchial.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
5
A remitting fever differs from a continual only in
degree. It has frequent increases and decreases, or
exacerbations and remissions, but never wholly
leaves the patient during the course of the disease.
Intermitting fevers, or agues, are those which, dur-
ing the time that the patient may be said to be ill,
have evident intervals or remission of the symp-
toms.
Almost every person in a fever complains of great
thirst, and calls out for drink, especially of a cool-
ing nature. This at once points out the use of wa-
ter, and other cooling liquors. What is so likely to
abate the heat, attenuate the humours, remove
spasms and obstructions, promote perspiration, in-
crease the quantity of urine, and, in short, produce
every salutary effect in an ardent and inflammatory
fever, as drinking plentifully of water, thin gruel,
or any other weak liquor of which water is the ba-
sis? The necessity of diluting liquors is pointed out
by the dry tongue, the parched skin, and the burn-
ing heat, as well as by the unquenchable thirst of
the patient.
Many cooling liquors, which are extremely grate-
ful to patients in a fever, may be prepared from
fruits, as decoction of tamarinds, apple-tea, orange-
whey, and the like, Mucilaginous liquors might
also be prepared from marshmallow roots, linseed,
lime-tree buds, and other mild vegetables. These
liquors, especially when acidulated, are highly
agreeable to the patient, and should never be denied
him.
Though the patient in a fever has the greatest in-
clination for drink, yet he seldom has any appetite
for solid food: hence the impropriety of urging to
take victuals is evident. Solid food in a fever is
hurtful. It oppresses nature, and serves only to
feed the disease. What food the patient takes,
should be in small quantity; light, and of easy di-
gestion. It ought to be chiefly of the vegetable
kind.
6
EUCIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
Nothing is more desired by a patient in a fever
than fresh air. It not only removes his anxiety, but
cools the blood, revives the spirits, and proves every
way beneficial.
Nothing spoils the air of a sick person's chamber,
or hurts the patient more than a number of persons
breathing in it. When the blood is inflamed, or the
humours in a putrid state, air that has been breathed
repeatedly will greatly increase the disease.
In fevers, when the patient's spirits are low and
depressed, he is not only to be supported with cor-
dials, but every method should be taken to cheer
and comfort his mind.
It is a common notion, that sweating is always
necessary in the beginning of a fever. When the
fever proceeds from an obstructed perspiration, this
notion is not ill founded. If the patient only lie in
bed, bathe his feet and legs in warm water, and drink
plentifully of warm water gruel, or any other weak
diluting liquor, he will seldom fail to perspire
freely.
In fevers, attention should be paid to the patient's
longings. Patients are not to be indulged in every
thing that the sickly appetite may crave; but it is
generally right to let them have a little of what they
eagerly desire, though it may not seem altogether
proper. What the patient longs for, his stomach
will generally digest; and such things have some-
times a very happy effect.
When a patient is recovering from a fever, great
care is necessary to prevent a relapse. Many per-
sons, by too soon imagining themselves well, have
lost their lives, or contracted other diseases of an
obstinate nature. As the body after a fever is weak
and delicate, it is necessary to guard against catch-
ing cold. Moderate exercise in the open air will be
of use, but great fatigue is by all means to be avoid-
ed agreeable company will also have a good effect.
The diet must be light, but nourishing. It should
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
7
be taken frequently, but in small quantities. It is
dangerous, at such a time, to eat as much as the sto-
mach may crave.
OF INTERMITTING FEVERS, OR
AGUES.
INTERMITTING fevers afford the best opportunity,
bo h of observing the nature of a fever, and also the
effects of medicine. No person can be at a loss to
distinguish an intermitting fever from any other,
and the proper medicine for it is now almost uni-
versally known.
CAUSES.-Agues are occasioned by effluvia from
putrid stagnating water. This disease may also be
occasioned by eating too much stone fruit, by a
poor watery diet, damp houses, evening dews, lying
upon the damp ground, watching, fatigue, depress-
ing passions, and the like. When the inhabitants of
a high country remove to a low one, they are gener-
ally seized with intermitting fevers, and to such the
disease is most apt to prove fatal.
SYMPTOMS. An intermitting fever generally be-
gins with a pain of the head and loins, weariness of
the limbs, coldness of the extremities, stretching,
yawning, with sometimes great sickness and vomit-
ing; to which succeed shivering and violent shaking.
Afterwards the skin becomes moist, and a profuse
sweat breaks out, which generally terminates the fit.
Sometimes the disease comes on suddenly, when the
patient thinks himself in perfect health.
REGIMEN. While the fit continues, the patient
ought to drink freely of water-gruel, orange-whey,
weak camomile-tea; or, if his spirits be low, small
wine-whey, sharpened with the juice of lemon. All
his drinks should be warm.
Between the paroxysms, the patient must be sup-
ported with food that is nourishing, but light and
of easy digestion, as veal or chicken broths, sago,
8
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
gruel with a little wine, light puddings, and such
like. His drink may be small negus, acidulated
with the juice of lemons or oranges, and sometimes
a little weak punch. He may drink infusions of
bitter herbs, as camomile, wormwood, or water-tre-
foil.
As the chief intentions of cure in an ague are to
brace the solids, and promote perspiration, the pa-
tient ought to take as much exercise between the fits
as he can bear.
Intermitting fevers, under a proper regimen, will
often go off without medicine; and when the disease
is mild, in an open dry country, there is seldom any
danger from allowing it to take its course; but when
the patient's strength seems to decline, or the par-
oxysms are so violent that his life is in danger, me-
dicine ought immediately to be administered. This,
however, should never be done till the disease be
properly formed, that is to say, till the patient has
had several fits of shaking and sweating.
MEDICINE. The first thing to be done in the
cure of an intermitting fever, is to cleanse the sto-
mach and bowels. Vomits are therefore to be ad-
ministered before the patient takes any other me-
dicine. A dose of ipecacuanha will generally an-
swer this purpose very well. A scruple or half a
dram of the powder will be sufficient for an adult,
and for a younger person the dose must be less in
proportion. After the vomit begins to operate, the
patient ought to drink plentifully of weak camo-
mile-tea. The vomit should be taken two or three
hours before the return of the fit, and may be re-
peated at the distance of two or three days.
Purging medicines are likewise useful and often
necessary in intermitting fevers.
A smart purge
has been known to cure an obstinate ague, after the
Peruvian bark and other medicines had been used
in vain. Vomits, however, are more suitable in this
disease, and render purging less necessary: but if
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MCDICINE.
the patient be afraid to take a vomit, he ought in
this case to cleanse the bowels by a dose or two of
Glauber's salt, jalap, or rhubarb.
Bleeding may sometimes be proper at the begin-
ning of an intermitting fever, when excessive heat,
a delirium, &c. give reason to suspect an inflamma-
tion; but as the blood is seldom in an inflamma-
tory state in intermitting fevers, this operation is
rarely necessary. When frequently repeated it tends
to prolong the disease.
After proper evacuation, the patient may safely
use the Peruvian bark, which may be in any way
that is most agreeable to him.
Two ounces of the best Peruvian bark, finely pow-
dered, may be divided into twenty-four doses. These
may either be made into boluses, as they are used,
with a little syrup of lemon, or mixed in a glass of
red wine, a cup of camomile-tea, water-gruel, or
any drink agreeable to the patient.
In an ague which returns every day, one of the
above doses may be taken every two hours during
the interval of the fits. By this method, the patient
will be able to take five or six doses between each
paroxysm. In a tertian, or third day ague, it will
be sufficient to take a dose every third hour, during
the interval, and in a quartan every fourth. If the
patient cannot take so large a dose of the bark, he
may divide each of the powders into two parts, and
take one every hour, &c. For a young person, a
smaller quantity of this medicine will be sufficient,
and the dose must be adapted to the age, constitu-
tion, and violence of the symptoms.
The above quantity of bark will frequently cure
an ague; the patient, however, ought not to leave
off taking the medicine as soon as the paroxysms
are stopped, but should continue to use it till there
is reason to believe the disease is entirely overcome.
Most of the failures in the cure of this discase are
owing to patients not continuing to use the medicine
long enough.
10
DUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
An ounce of gentian root, calamus aromaticus,
and orange-peel, of each half an ounce, with three
or four handfuls of camomile-flowers, and a hand-
ful of coriander seeds, all bruised together in a mor-
tir, may be used in the form of infusion or tea. Abont
half a handful of these ingredients may be put in-
to a tea-pot, and an English pint of boiling water
poured upon them. A cup of this infusion drunk
two or three times a day, will greatly promote the
cure.
Those who cannot swallow the bark in substance,
may take it in decoction or infusion. An ounce of
bark in powder may be infused in a bottle of white
wine for four or five days, frequently shaking the
bottle; afterwards let the water subside, and pour off
the clear liquor. A wine-glass may be drunk three
or four times a day, or oftener, as there is occasion.
If a decoction be more agreeable, an ounce of the
bark, and two drachms of snake-root bruised, with an
equal quantity of salt of worm-wood, may be boil-
ed, in a quart of water, to an English pint. To the
strained liquor may be added an equal quantity of
red wine, and a glass of it taken frequently.
In obstinate agues, the bark will be found much
more efficacious when assisted by brandy or other
warm cordials, than if taken alone. This I have had
frequently occasion to observe in a country where
intermitting fevers were endemical.
As autumnal and winter agues generally prove
much more obstinate than those which attack the
patient in spring or summer, it will be necessary to
continue the use of medicines longer in the former
than in the latter. He ought likewise to take care
not to be much abroad in wet weather, especially
in cold easterly winds.
When agues are not properly cured, they often
degenerate into obstinate chronical diseases, as the
dropsy, jaundice, &c. For this reason all possible
care should be taken to have them radically cured,
before the constitution has been too much weakened.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
11
Where agues are endemical, even children are
often afflicted with that disease. Such patients are
very difficult to cure, as they can seldom be prevail-
ed upon to take the bark, or any other disagreeable
medicine. One method of rendering this medicine
more palatable is to make it into a mixture with
distilled waters and syrup, and afterwards to give it
an agreeable sharpness with the elixir or spirit of
vitriol. This both improves the medicine and takes
off the nauseous taste. In cases where the bark
cannot be administered, the saline mixture may be
given with advantage to children.
Wine-whey is a very proper drink for a child in
an ague; to an English pint of which may be put
a tea-spoonful of the spirit of hartshorn. Exercise
is likewise of considerable service; and when the
disease proves obstinate, the child ought, if possible
to be removed to a warm dry air. The food ought
to be nourishing, and sometimes a little generous
wine should be allowed.
To children, and such as cannot swallow the bark,
or when the stomach will not bear it, it may be giv-
en by clyster. Half an ounce of the extract of bark
dissolved in four ounces of warm water, with the ad-
dition of half an ounce of sweet oil, and six or eight
drops of laudanum, is the form recommended by
Dr. Lind for an adult, and this is to be repeated
every fourth hour, or oftener, as the occasion shall
require. For children the quantity of extract and
laudanum must be proportionably lessened. Chil-
dren have been cured of agues by making them wear
a waistcoat with bark quilted between the folds of
it: by bathing them frequently in a strong decoc-
tion of the bark, and by rubbing the spine with
strong spirits, or with a mixture of equal parts of
laudanuin and the saponaceous liniment.
We have been the more full upon this disease, bc-
cause it is very common, and because few patients
in an ague apply to physicians unless in extremities.
12
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
To prevent agues, people must endeavour to avoid
their causes. These have been already pointed out
in the beginning of this section; we shall there-
fore only add one preventive medicine, which may
be of use to such as are obliged to live in low marshy
countries, or who are liable to frequent attacks of
this disease.
Take an ounce of the best Peruvian bark: Virgi-
nian snake-root, and orange-peel, of each half an
ounce; bruise them all together, and infuse for five
or six days in a bottle of brandy, Hollands gin, or
any good spirit; afterwards pour off the clear li-
quor, and take a wine-glass of it twice or thrice a
day. This, indeed, is recommending a dram; but
the bitter ingredients in a great measure take off the
ill effects of the spirit. Those who do not choose it
in brandy may infuse it in wine; and such as can
bring themselves to chew the bark will find that me-
thod succeed very well. Gentian-root, or cala-
mus aromaticus, may also be chewed by turns for
the same purpose.
All bitters seem to be anti-
dotes to agues, especially those that are warm and
astringent.
Nothing is more essential in the cure of agues
than a change of air, which cannot be too strongly
recommended, and without which all the efforts of
medical skill are sometimes exerted in vain.
OF AN ACUTE CONTINUAL FEVER.
This fever is denominated acute, ardent, or inflam-
matory. It most commonly attacks the young, or
persons about the prime and vigour of life, espe-
cially such as live high, abound with blood, and
whose fibres are strong and elastic.
It seizes peo-
ple at all seasons of the year; but is most frequent
in the spring and the beginning of summer.
CAUSES.-An ardent fever may be occasioned by
any thing that overheats the body, or produces ple-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
13
1
thora, as violent exercise, sleeping in the sun, drink-
ing strong liquors, eating spiceries, a full diet with
little exercise, &c. It may likewise be occasioned
by whatever obstructs the perspiration, as lying on
the damp ground, drinking cold liquor when the bo-
dy is hot, night watching, or the like.
SYMPTOMS.--A rigour or chillness generally ushers
in this fever, which is soon succeeded by great heat,
a frequent and full pulse, pain of the head, dry skin,
redness of the eyes, a florid countenance, pains in
the back, loins, &c. To these succeed the difficulty
of breathing, sickness with an inclination to vomit.
The patient complains of thirst, has no appetite for
solid food, is restless, and his tongue generally ap-
pears black and rough.
A delirium, excessive restlessness, great oppres-
sion of the breast, with laborious respiration, start-
ing of the tendons, hiccup, cold clammy sweats, and
an involuntary discharge of urine, are very danger-
ous symptoms.
As this disease is always attended with danger,
the best medical assistance ought to be procured as
soon as possible. A physician may be of use at
the beginning, but his skill is often of no avail after-
wards.
-
REGIMEN. From the symptoms of this disease,
it is evident that the blood and other humours re-
quire to be attenuated; that the perspiration, urine,
saliva, and all the other secretions, are in too small
a quautity; that the vessels are rigid, and the heat
of the whole body too great; all these clearly point
out the necessity of a regimen calculated to dilute
the blood, correct the acrimony of the humours,
allay the excessive heat, remove the spasmodic
stricture of the vessels, and promote the secre-
tions.
These important purposes may be greatly pro-
moted by drinking plentifully of diluting liquors;
as water-gruel, or oatmeal tea, clear whey, barley-
14
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
water, balm-tea, apple-tea, &c. These may be sharp-
ened with juice of orange, jelly of currants, rasp-
berries, and such like; orange-whey is likewise an
excellent cooling drink. It is made by boiling
among milk and water a bitter orange sliced, till the
curd separates. If no orange can be had, a lemon,
a little cream of tartar, or a few spoonsful of vine-
gar, will have the same effect. Two or three spoons-
ful of white wine may occasionally be added to the
liquor when boiled.
The com-
If the patient be costive, an ounce of tamarinds,
with two ounces of stoned raisins of the sun, and a
couple of figs, may be boiled in three English pints
of water to a quart. This makes a very pleasant
drink, and may be used at discretion.
mon pectoral decoction is likewise a very proper
drink in this disease. A tea-cupful of it may be ta-
ken every two hours, or oftener, if the patient's heat
and thirst be very great.
The above liquids must all be drunk a little
warm. They may be used in smaller quantities at
the beginning of a fever, but more freely afterwards,
in order to assist in carrying off the disease by pro-
moting the different secretious.
The patient's diet must be very spare and light.
All sorts of flesh meats, and even chicken-broths,
are to be avoided. Ile may be allowed groat-gruel,
panado, or light bread boiled in water; to which
nay be added a few grains of salt, and a little sugar.
He may eat roasted apples, a little jelly, boiled
prunes, &c.
It will greatly relieve the patient, especially in a
hot season, to have fresh air frequently let into his
chamber. This, however, must always be done
in such a manner as not to endanger his catching
cold.
Sitting upright in bed, if the patient be able to
bear it, will often have a good effect. It relieves the
head, by retarding the motion of the blood to the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
15.
brain. But this posture ought never to be continu-
ed too long; aud if the patient be inclined to sweat,
it will be more safe to let him lie, only raising his
head a little with pillows.
Sprinkling the chamber with vinegar, juice of le-
mon, or vinegar and rose-water, with a little nitre
dissolved in it, will greatly refresh the patient. This
ought to be done frequently, especially if the wea-
ther be hot.
The patient's month should be often washed with
a mixture of water and honey, to which a little vine-
gar may be added, or with a decoction of figs in bar-
ley-water. His feet and hands ought likewise fre-
quently to be bathed in lukewarm water; especially
if the head be affected.
The patient should be kept as quiet and easy as
possible. Company, noise, and every thing that
disturbs the mind, is hurtful. Even too much light,
or any thing that affects the senses, ought to be a-
voided. His attendants should be as few as possi-
ble, and they ought not to be too often changed.
His inclinations ought rather to be soothed than
contradicted; even the promise of what he craves
will often satisfy him.
MEDICINE. In this and all other fevers, attend-
ed with a hard, full, quick pulse, bleeding is of the
greatest importance. This operation ought always
to be performed as soon as the symptoms of an in-
flammatory fever appear. The quantity of blood
to be taken away, however, must be in proportion
to the strength of the patient and the violence of the
disease. If after the first bleeding the fever should
increase, and the pulse become more frequent and
hard, there will be a necessity for repeating it a se-
cond time, and perhaps a third, and even a fourth
time, which may be done at the distance of twelve,
eighteen, or twenty-four hours from each other, as
the symptoms require. If the pulse continues soft,
and the patient be tolerably easy after the first
bleeding, it ought not to be repeated.
16
J
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
1
If the heat and fever be very great, forty or fifty
drops of the dulcified or sweet spirit of nitre may be
made into a draught, with an ounce of rose-water,
two ounces of common water, and half an ounce of
simple syrup, or a bit of loaf sugar. This draught
may be given to the patient every three or four
hours when the fever is violent; afterwards once in
five or six hours will be sufficient.
If the patient be afflicted with retching, or an in-
clination to vomit, it will be right to assist nature's
attempts by giving him weak camomile tea, or luke-
warm water to drink.
If the body be bound, a clyster of milk and water,
with a little salt, and a spoonful of sweet oil or fresh
butter in it, ought daily to be administered. Should
this not have the desired effect, a tea-spoonful of
magnesia alba, or cream of tartar, may be frequent-
ly put into his drink. He may likewise eat tama-
rinds, boiled prunes, roasted apples, and the like.
If about the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth day, the
pulse becomes more soft, the tongue moister, and
the urine begins to let fall a reddish sediment, there
is reason to expect a favourable issue to the disease.
But if, instead of these symptoms, the patient's spi-
rits grow languid, his pulse sinks, and his breathing
becomes difficult; with a stupor, trembling of the
nerves, starting of the tendons, &c. there is reason
to fear the consequences will be fatal. In this case,
blistering plasters must be applied to the head, au-
cles, inside of the legs or thighs, as there may be oc-
casion; poultices of wheat bread, mustard and vine-
gar, may likewise be applied to the soles of the feet;
and the patient must be supported with cordials, as
strong wine-whey, negus, sago-gruel with wine in
it, and such like.
A proper regimen is not only necessary during
the fever, but likewise after the patient begins to re-
cover. By neglecting this, many relapse, or fill
into other diseases, and continue valetudinary for
life. Though the body be weak after a fever, yet
1
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
17
the diet for some time ought to be rather light than
of too nourishing a nature. Too much food, drink,
exercise, company, &c. are carefully to be avoided.
The mind ought likewise to be kept easy, and the
patient should not attempt to pursue study, or any
business that requires intense thinking.
If the digestion be bad, or the patient be seized
at times with feverish heats, an infusion of Peruvian
bark in cold water will be of use. It will strengthen
the stomach, and help to subdue the remains of the
fever.
When the patient's strength is pretty well recover-
ed, he ought to take some gentle laxative. An ounce
of tamarinds and a drachm of senna may be boil-
ed for a few minutes in a English pint of water, and
an ounce of manna dissolved in the decoction; af-
terwards it may be strained, and a tea-cupful drunk
every hour till it operates. This dose may be repeat-
ed twice or thrice, five or six days intervening.
OF THE PLEURISY.
THE true pleurisy is an inflammation of that mem-
brane called the pleura, which lines the inside of the
breast. It is distinguished into the moist and dry.
In the former the patient spits freely; in the latter,
little, or none at all. There is likewise a species of
this disease which is called the spurious or bastard
pleurisy in which the pain is more external, and chief-
y affects the muscles between the ribs. The pleu-
risy prevails among working people, especially such
as work without doors, and are of a sanguine con-
stitution. It is most frequent in the spring sea-
son.
CAUSES. The pleurisy may be occasioned by
whatever obstructs the perspiration; as cold north-
erly winds; drinking cold liquors when the body is
hot; sleeping without doors on the damp ground;
wet clothes; plunging the body into cold water, or
179
B
18
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
exposing it to the cold air, when covered with sweat,
&c. It may likewise be occasioned by drinking
strong liquors; by the stonpage of usual evacua-
tions, as old ulcers, issues, sweating of the feet or
hands, &c. the sudden striking in of any eruption,
as the itch, the measles, and the small pox. Those
who have been accustomed to bleed at a certain sea-
son of the year, are apt, if they neglect it, to be seiz-
ed with a pleurisy. Keeping the body too warm
by means of fire, clothes, &c. renders it more liable
to this disease. A pleurisy may likewise be occa-
sioned by violent exercise, as running, wrestling,
leaping, or by supporting great weights, blows on
the breast, &c. A bad conformation of the body
renders persons more liable to this disease, as a nar-
row chest, a straitness of the arteries of the pleura,
&c.
SYMPTOMS.-This, like most other fevers, gener-
ally begins with chilliness and shivering, which are
followed by heat, thirst, and restlessness. To these
succeeds a violent pricking pain in one of the sides
among the ribs. Sometimes the pain extends to-
wards the back bone, sometimes towards the fore-
part of the breast, and at other times towards the
shoulder blades. The pain is generally most violent
when the patient draws his breath.
The pulse in this disease is commonly quick and
hard, the urine high-coloured; and if blood be let,
it is covered with a tough crust, or buffy coat.
The patient's spittle is at first thin, but after-
wards it becomes grosser, and is often streaked with
blood.
REGIMEN.-Nature generally endeavours to carry
off this disease by a critical discharge of blood from
some part of the body, by expectoration, sweat, loose
stools, thick urine, or the like. We ought therefore
to second her intentions by lessening the force of
the circulation, relaxing the vessels, diluting the
humours, and promoting expectoration.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
19
For these purposes, the diet, as in the former dis-
ease, ought to be cool, slender, and diluting. The
patient must avoid all food that is viscid, hard of di-
gestion, or that affords much nourishment; as flesh,
butter, cheese, eggs, milk, and also every thing that
is of a heating nature. His drink may be whey,
or an infusion of pectoral and balsamic vegeta-
bles.
Barley-water, with a little honey or jelly of cur-
rants mixed with it, is likewise a very proper drink
in this disease. It is made by boiling an ounce of
pearl barley in three English pints of water to two,
which must be afterwards strained. The decoction
of figs, raisins, and barley, recommended in the pre-
ceding disease, is here likewise very proper. These
and other diluting liquors are not to be drunk in
large quantities at a time; but the patient ought to
keep continually sipping them, so as to render his
mouth and throat always moist. All his food and
drink should be taken a little warm.
The patient should be kept quiet, cool, and every
way easy, as directed under the foregoing disease.
IIis feet and hands ought daily to be bathed in luke-
warm water; and he may sometimes sit up in his
bed for a short space, in order to relieve his head.
MEDICINE.-Almost every person knows, when a
fever is attended with a violent pain of the side, and
a quick hard pulse, that bleeding is necessary.
When these symptoms come on, the sooner this
operation is performed the better; and the quantity
at first must be pretty large, provided the patient be
able to bear it. A large quantity of blood let at
once in the beginning of a pleurisy, has a much bet-
ter effect than repeated small bleedings. A man
may lose twelve or fourteen ounces of blood as soon
as it is certainly known that he is seized with a
pleurisy. For a younger person, or one of a delicate
constitution, the quantity must be less.
If, after the first bleeding, the stitch, and the other
20
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
violent symptoms, should still continue, it will
be necessary, at the distance of twelve or eighteen.
hours, to let eight or nine ounces more. If the
symptoms do not then abate, and the blood shows a
strong buffy coat, a third or even a fourth bleeding
may be requisite. If the pain of the side abate, the
pulse become softer, or the patient begin to spit
freely, bleeding ought not to be repeated. This
operation is seldom necessary after the third or
fourth day of the fever, and ought not then to be
performed, unless in the most urgent circumstan-
ces.
The blood may be many ways attenuated without
bleeding. There are likewise many things that may
be done to ease the pain on the side, without this
operation, as fomenting, blistering, &c. Fomenta-
tions may be made by boiling a handful of flowers
of elder, camomile, and common mallows, or any
other soft vegetable, in a proper quantity of water.
The herbs may either be put into a flannel bag, and
applied warm to the side, or flannel may be dipped
in the decoction, afterwards wrung out and applied
to the parts affected, with as much warmth as the
patient can easily bear. As the cloths grow cool
they must be changed, and great care taken that the
patient do not catch cold. A bladder may be filled
with warm milk and water, and applied to the side,
if the above method of fomenting be found inconve-
nient. Fomentations not only ease the pain, but re-
lax the vessels, and prevent the stagnation of the
blood and other humours. The side may likewise
be frequently rubbed with a little of the volatile li-
niment.
Topical bleeding has often a very good effect in
this disease. It may either be performed by apply-
ing a number of leeches to the part affected, or by
cupping, which is both a more certain and expedi-
tious method than the other.
Leaves of various plants might likewise be appli
BUCHAN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
21
ed to the patient's side with advantage. I have of-
ten seen great benefit from young cabbage leaves
applied warm to the side in a pleurisy. These not
only relax the parts, but likewise draw off a little
moisture, and may prevent the necessity of blister-
ing plasters; which, however, when other things fail,
must be applied.
If the stitch continue after repeated bleedings, fo-
mentations, &c. a blistering-plaster must be applied
over the part affected, and suffered to remain for two
days. This not only procures a discharge from
the side, but takes off the spasm, and by that means
assists in removing the cause of the disease. To
prevent a strangury when the blistering-plaster is
on, the patient may drink freely of the Arabic
emulsion.
If the patient be costive, a clyster of thin water-
gruel, or the barley-water, in which a handful of
mallows, or any other emollient vegetable, has been
boiled, may be daily administered. This will not
only empty the bowels, but have the effect of a
warm fomentation applied to the inferior viscera,
which will help to make a derivation from the
breast.
The expectoration may be promoted by sharp,
oily, and mucilaginous medicines.
For this pur-
pose an ounce of the oxymel or the vinegar of squills,
may be added to six ounces of the pectoral decoc-
tion, and two table-spoonsful of it taken every two
hours.
Should the squill disagree with the stomach, the
oily emulsion may be administered; or in place of
it two ounces of the oil of sweet almonds, or oil of
olives, and two ounces of the syrup of violets, may
be mixed with as much sugar-candy powdered, as
will make an electuary of the consistence of honey.
The patient may take a tea-spoonful of this fre-
quently, when the cough is troublesome. Should
oily medicines prove nauseous, which is sometimes
22
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINF.
the case, two table-spoonsful of the solution of gum
ammoniac in barley-water may be given three or
four times a-day.
If the patient do not perspire, but has a burning
heat upon his skin, and passes very little water,
some small doses of purified nitre and camphire will
be of use. Two drachms of the former may be rub-
bed with five or six grains of the latter in a mortar,
and the whole divided into six doses, one of which
may be taken every five or six hours, in a little of
the patient's ordinary drink.
After
We shall only mention one medicine more, which
some reckon almost a specific in the pleurisy, viz.
the decoction of the seneka rattle-snake root.
bleeding and other evacuations have been premised,
the patient may take two, three, or four-spoonsful
of this decoction, according as his stomach will bear
it; two or three ounces of simple cinnamon-water
may be mixed with the quantity of decoction here
directed; or it may be taken in smaller doses. As
this medicine only promotes perspiration and urine,
and likewise keeps the body easy, it may be of some
service in a pleurisy, or any other inflammation of
the breast.
No one will imagine that these medicines are all
to be used at the same time. We have mentioned
different things, on purpose that people may have
it in their power to choose; and likewise, that when
one cannot be obtained they may make use of ano-
ther. Different methods are no doubt necessary in
the different periods of a disorder; and where one
fails of success or disagrees with the patient, it will
be proper to try another.
What is called the crisis, or height of the fever, is
sometimes attended with very alarming symptoms,
as difficulty of breathing, an irregular pulse, con-
vulsive motions, &c. These are apt to frighten the
attendants, and induce them to do improper things,
as bleeding the patient, giving him strong stimulat-
BUOHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
23
ing medicines, or the like. But they are only the
struggles of nature to overcome the disease, in which
she ought to be assisted by plenty of diluting drink,
which is then peculiarly necessary. If the patient's
strength, however, be much exhausted by the dis-
ease, it will be necessary at such times to support
him with frequent small draughts of wine-whey,
negus, or the like.
When the pain and fever are gone, it will be pro-
per after the patient has recovered sufficient strength,
to give him some gentle purges, as those directed
towards the end of an acute continual fever. He
ought likewise to use a light diet of an easy diges-
tion, and his drink should be butter-milk, wliey, and
other things of a cleansing nature.
OF THE BASTARD PLEURISY.
That species of pleurisy which is called the bas-
tard or spurious, generally goes off by keeping warm
for a few days, drinking plenty of diluting liquors,
and observing a cooling regimen.
It is well known by a dry cough, a quick pulse,
and a difficulty of lying on the affected side: which
last does not always happen in the true pleurisy.
Sometimes, indeed, this disease proves obstinate, and
requires bleeding, with cupping, and scarifications
of the part affected. These, together with the use
of nitrous and other cooling medicines, seldom fail
to effect a cure.
OF THE PARAPIIRENITIS.
The paraphrenitis, or inflammation of the dia-
phragm, is so nearly connected with the pleurisy,
and resembles it so much in the manner of treat-
ment, that it is scarcely necessary to consider it a
separate disease.
It is attended with a very acute fever, and extreme
24
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
pain in the part affected, which is generally aug-
mented by coughing, sneezing, drawing in the breath,
taking food, going to stool, making water, &c.
Hence the patient breathes quick, and draws in his
bowels to prevent the motion of the diaphragm; is
restless, anxious, has a dry cough, a hiccup, and
often a delirium. A convulsive laugh, or rather a
kind of involuntary grin, is no uncommon symptom
of this disease.
We
Every method must be taken to prevent a sup-
puration, as it is impossible to save the patient's life
after this happens. The regimen and medicines are.
in all respects the same as in the pleurisy.
shall only add, that in this disease, emollient clys-
ters are peculiarly useful, as they relax the bowels,
and by that means make a derivation from the part
affected.
OF A PERIPNEUMONY, OR INFLAMMA-
TION OF THE LUNGS.
As this disease affects an organ which is absolutely
necessary to life, it must always be attended with
danger. Persons who abound with thick blood,
whose fibres are tense and rigid, who feed upon gross
aliment, and drink strong viscid liquors, are most
liable to a peripneumony. It is generally fatal to
those who have a flat breast, or narrow chest, and
such as are afflicted with an asthma, especially in
the decline of life. Sometimes the inflammation
reaches to one lobe of the lungs, only; at other times
the whole of the organ is affected; in which case the
disease can hardly fail to prove fatal.
When the disease proceeds from a viscid pituitous
matter obstructing the vessels of the lungs, it is
called a spurious or bastard peripneumony. When it
arises from a thin acrid defluxion on the lungs, it is
denominated a catarrhal peripneumony, &c.
CAUSES. An inflammiation of the lungs is some-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
25
•
times a primary disease, and sometimes it is the
consequence of other diseases, as a quinsey, a pleu-
risy, &c. It proceeds from the same causes as a
pleurisy, viz. an obstructed perspiration from cold,
wet clothes, &c. or from an increased circulation of
the blood, by violent exercise, the use of spiceries,
ardent spirits, and such like. The pleurisy and peri-
pneumony are often complicated; in which case
the disease is called pleuro-peripneumony.
SYMPTOMS. Most of the symptoms of a pleurisy
likewise attend an inflammation of the lungs; only
in the latter the pulse is more soft, and the pain less
acute; but the difficulty in breathing, and oppres-
sion at the breast, are generally greater.
REGIMEN. As the regimen and medicines are in
all respects the same in the true peripneumony as
in the pleurisy, we shall not here repeat them, but
refer the reader to the treatment of that disease. It
may not, however, be improper to add, that the ali-
ment ought to be more slender and thin in this than
in any other inflammatory disease. The learned
Dr. Arbuthnot asserts, that even common whey is
sufficient to support the patient, and that decoctions
of barley, and infusions of fennel roots in warm water
with milk, are the most proper both for drink and
nourishment. He also recommends the steam of
warm water taken in by the breath, which serves as
a kind of internal fomentation, and helps to atten-
uate the impacted humours. If the patient has loose
stools, but is not weakened by them, they are not to
be stopped, but rather promoted by the use of
emollient clysters.
It has already been observed, that the spurious, or
bastard peripneumony is occasioned by a viscid pit-
uitous matter obstructing the vessels of the lungs.
It commonly attacks the old, infirm, and phlegmatic
in winter and wet seasons.
The patient at the beginning is cold and hot by
turns, has a small quick pulse, feels a sense of weight
26
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
upon his breast, breathes with difficulty, and some-
times complains of a pain and giddiness of his head.
His urine is usually pale, and his colour very little
changed.
The diet, in this as well as in the true peripneu-
mony, must be very slender, as weak broths, sharp-
ened with the juice of orange or lemon, and such
like. His drink may be thin water-gruel sweetened
with honey, or a decoction of the roots of fennel,
liquorice, and quick-grass. An ounce of each of
these may be boiled in three English pints of water
to a quart, and sharpened with a little currant jelly,
or the like.
Bleeding and purging are generally proper at the
beginning of this disease; but if the patient's spittle
be pretty thick, or well concocted, neither of them
are necessary. It will be sufficient to assist the ex-
pectoration by some of the sharp medicines recom-
mended for that purpose in the pleurisy, as the so-
lution of gum-ammoniac with oxymel of squills, &c.
Blistering-plasters have generally a good effect, and
ought to be applied pretty early.
If the patient do not spit, he must be bled, accord-
ing as his strength will permit, and have a gentle
purge administered. Afterwards his body may be
kept open by clysters, and the expectoration pro-
moted, by taking every four hours two table-spoons-
ful of the solution mentioned above.
When the inflammation of the breast does not
yield to bleeding, blistering, and other evacuations,
it commonly ends in suppuration, which is more or
less dangerous, according to the part where it is sit-
uated. When this happens in the pleura, it some-
times breaks outwardly, and the matter is discharged
by the wound.
When the suppuration happens within the sub-
stance or body of the lungs, the matter may be dis-
charged by expectoration; but if the matter floats
in the cavity of the breast, between the pleura and
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
27
the lungs, it can only be discharged by an incision
made betwixt the ribs.
If the patient's strength do not return after the in-
flammation is to all appearance removed; ifhis pulse
continue quick though soft, his breathing difficult
and oppressed; if he have cold shiverings at times,
his cheeks flushed, his lips dry; and if he complain
of thirst and want of appetite, there is reason to fear
a suppuration, and that a phthisis or consumption
of the lungs will ensue. We shall therefore next
proceed to consider the proper treatment of that
disease.
OF CONSUMPTIONS.
A CONSUMPTION is a wasting or decay of the whole
body, from an ulcer, tubercles, concretion of the
lungs, an empyema, a nervous atrophy, or cachexy.
Dr. Arbuthnot observes, that in his time, con-
sumptions made up about one-tenth part of the bills
of mortality in and about London. There is reason
to believe they have rather increased since: and we
know, from experience, that they are not less fatal
in some other towns of England than in London.
Young persons, between the age of fifteen and
thirty, of a slender make, long neck, high shoulders,
and flat breasts, are most liable to this disease.
Consumptions prevail more in England than in
any other part of the world, owing perhaps to the
great use of animal food and malt liquors, the general
application to sedentary employments, and the great
quantity of pit-coal which is there burnt, to which
we may add the perpetual changes in the atmosphere,
or variableness of the weather.
CAUSES. It has already been observed, that an
inflammation of the breast often ends in an impos-
thume: consequently whatever disposes people to
this disease must likewise be considered as a cause
of consumption.
23
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
Other diseases, by vitiating the habit, may likewise
occasion consumptions; as the scurvy, the scrofula,
or king's-evil, venereal disease, the asthma, small-
pox, measles, &c.
As this disease is seldom cured, we shall endeavour
the more particularly to point out its causes, in order
that people may be enabled to avoid it. These are:
Confined or unwholesome air; when this fluid is
impregnated with the fumes of metals or minerals,
it proves extremely hurtful to the lungs, and often
corrodes the tender vessels of that necessary organ.
Violent passions, exertions, or affections of the
mind; as grief, disappointment, anxiety, or close ap-
plication to study of abstruse arts and sciences.
Great evacuations; as sweating, diarrhoeas, dia-
betes, excessive venery, fluor albus and over-dis-
charge of the menstrual flux, giving suck too long, &c.
The sudden stoppage of customary evacuations;
as the bleeding piles, sweating of the feet, bleeding
at the nose, the mensus, issues, ulcers, or eruptions
of any kind.
Injuries done to the lungs, calculi, &c. I lately
saw the symptoms of a phthisis occasioned by a small
bone sticking in the bronchia. It was afterwards
vomited along with a considerable quantity of puru-
lent matter, and the patient, by a proper regimen,
and the use of Peruvian bark, recovered.
Making a sudden transition from a hot to a very
cold climate, change of apparel, or whatever greatly
lessens the perspiration.
Late
Frequent and excessive debaucheries.
watching, and drinking strong liquors, which gen-
erally go together, can hardly fail to destroy the
lungs. Hence the bon companion generally falls a
sacrifice to this discase.
Infection. Consumptions are likewise caught by
sleeping with the diseased; for which reason this
should be carefully avoided. It cannot be of great
benefit to the sick, and must hurt those in health.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
29
Those artificers who sit
Occupations in life.
much, and are constantly leaning forward or pressing
upon the stomach and breast, as cutlers, tailors,
shoemakers, seamstresses, &c. often die of consump-
tions. They likewise prove fatal to singers, and all
who have occasion to make frequent and violent ex-
ertions with the lungs.
Cold. More consumptive patients date the begin-
ning of their disorders from wet feet, damp beds,
night air, wet clothes, or catching cold after the body
has been heated, than from all other causes.
Sharp, saline, and aromatic aliments, which heat
and inflame the blood, are likewise frequently the
cause of consumptions.
We shall only add, that this disease is often owing
to an hereditary taint, or a scrofulous habit; in which
case it is generally incurable.
SYMPTOMS. This disease generally begins with a
dry cough, which often continues for some months.
If a disposition to vomit after eating be excited by
it, there is still greater reason to fear an approaching
consumption. The patient complains of a more than
usual degree of heat, a pain and oppression of the
breast, especially after motion; his spittle is of a
saltish taste, and sometimes mixed with blood. He
is apt to be sad; his appetite is bad, and his thirst
great. There is generally a quick, soft, small pulse;
though sometimes the pulse is pretty full, and rather
hard. These are the common symptoms of a begin-
ning consumption.
Afterwards the patient begins to spit a greenish
white, or bloody matter. His body is extenuated by
the hectic fever and colliquative sweats, which mu-
tually succeed one another, viz, the one towards
night, and the other in the morning. A looseness,
and an excessive discharge of urine, are often tron-
blesome symptoms at this time, and greatly weaken
the patient. There is a burning heat in the palms of
the hands, and the face generally flushes after eating;
30
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
the fingers become remarkably small, the nails are
bent inwards, and the hairs fall off.
At last the swelling of the feet and legs, the total
loss of strength, the sinking of the eyes, the difficulty
of swallowing, and the coldness of the extremities,
show the immediate approach of death, which, how-
ever, the patient seldom believes to be so near.
Such is the usual progress of this fatal disease, which,
if not early checked, commonly sets all medicine at
defiance.
REGIMEN. On the first appearance of a consump-
tion, if the patient lives in a large town, or any place
where the air is confined, he ought immediately to
quit it, and to make choice of a situation in the
country, where the air is pure and free. Here he
must not remain inactive, but take every day as
much exercise as he can bear.
The best method of taking exercise is to ride on
horseback, as this gives the body a great deal of
motion without much fatigue. Such as cannot bear
this kind of exercise must make use of a carriage,
A long journey, as it amuses the mind by a continual
change of objects, is greatly preferable to riding the
same ground over and over. Care, however, must
be taken to avoid catching cold from wet clothes,
damp beds, or the like. The patient ought always
to finish his ride in the morning, or at least before
dinner; otherwise it will oftener do harm than good.
Those who have strength and courage to undertake
a pretty long voyage, may expect great advantage
from it. This, to my knowledge, has frequently
cured a consumption after the patient was, to all ap-
pearance, far advanced in that disease.
Next to proper air and exercise, we would re-
commend a due attention to diet. The patient
should eat nothing that is either heating or hard of di-
gestion, and his drink must be of a soft and cooling
nature. All the diet ought to be calculated to lessen
the acrimony of the humours, and to nourish and
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
31
support the patient. For this purpose he must keep
chiefly to the use of vegetables and milk. Milk
alone is of more value in this disease than the
whole materia medica.
Ass's milk is commonly reckoned preferable to
any other; but it cannot always be obtained; be-
sides, it is generally taken in a very small quantity;
whereas, to produce any effect, it ought to make a
considerable part of the patient's diet. It is hardly
to be expected that a gill or two of ass's milk, drunk
in the space of twenty-four hours, should be able to
produce any considerable change in the bumours of
an adult and when people do not perceive its effects
soon, they lose hope, and so leave it off. Hence it
happens, that this medicine, however valuable, very
seldom performs a cure. The reason is obvious; it
is commonly used too late, is taken in too small
quantities, and is not duly persisted in.
I have known very extraordinary effects from ass's
milk, in obstinate coughs, which threatened a con-
sumption of the lungs, and do verily believe, if used
at this period, that it would seldom fail; but if it be
delayed till an ulcer is formed, which is generally
the case, how can it be expected to succeed?
In-
Ass's milk ought to be drunk, if possible, in its
natural warmth, and, by a grown person, in the
quantity of half an English pint at a time.
stead of taking this quantity night and morning
only, the patient ought to take it four times, or at
least thrice a-day, and to eat a little light bread along
with it, so as to make it a kind of meal.
If the milk should happen to purge, it may be
mixed with old conserve of roses. When that cannot
be obtained, the powder of crabs' claws may be used
in its stead. Ass's milk is usually ordered to be
drunk warm in bed: but as it generally throws the
patient into a sweat when taken in this way, it would
perhaps be better to give it after he rises.
Some extraordinary cures in consumptive cases
32
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
have been performed by woman's milk. Could this
be obtained in sufficient quantity, we would recom-
mend it in preference to any other. It is better if
the patient can suck it from the breast, than to drink
it afterwards. I knew a man who was reduced to
such a degree of weakness in a consumption, as not
to be able to turn himself in bed. His wife was at
that time giving suck, and the child happening to
die, he sucked her breasts, not with a view to reap
any advantage from the milk, but to make her easy.
Finding himself, however, greatly benefited by it, he
continued to suck her till he became perfectly well,
and is at present a strong and healthy man.
Some prefer butter-milk to any other, and it is
indeed a very valuable medicine, if the stomach be
able to bear it. It does not agree with every person
at first; and is therefore often laid aside without a
sufficient trial. It should be taken sparingly, and
the quantity gradually increased, until it comes
to be almost the sole food. I never knew it suc-
ceed, unless where the patient almost lived upon it.
It is not to be wondered, that milk should for some
time disagree with the stomach that has not been
accustomed to digest any thing but flesh and strong
liquors, which is the case with many of those who
fall into consumptions. We do not, however, advise
those who have been accustomed to animal food and
strong liquors, to leave them off all at once.
This
might be dangerous. It will be necessary for such
to eat a little once a-day of the flesh of some young
animal, or rather to use the broth made of chickens,
veal, lamb, or such like. They ought likewise to
drink a little wine made into negus, or diluted with
twice or thrice its quantity of water, and to make it
gradually weaker till they can leave it off altogether.
These must be used only as preparatives to a diet
consisting chiefly of milk and vegetables, which the
sooner the patient can be brought to bear, the better.
Rice and milk, or barley and milk, boiled with a
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
33
little sugar, is a very proper food. Ripe fruits,
roasted, baked, or boiled, are likewise proper, as
goose or currant-berry tarts, apples roasted or boiled
in milk, &c. The jellies, conserves, &c. of ripe sub-
acid fruits, ought to be eaten plentifully, as the jelly
of currants, conserve of roses, preserved plums,
cherries, &c.
Wholesome air, proper exercise, and a diet con-
sisting chiefly of those and other vegetables, with
milk, is the only course that can be depended on,
in a beginning consumption. If the patient has
strength and sufficient resolution to persist in this
course, he will seldom be disappointed of a cure,
In a populous town in England, where consump-
tions are very common, I have frequently seen con-
sumptive patients, who had been sent to the country
with orders to ride, and live upon milk and vegeta-
bles, return in a few months quite plump, and free
from any complaint. This indeed was not always
the case, especially when the disease was hereditary,
or far advanced; but it was the only method in which
success was to be expected; where it failed, I never
knew medicine succeed.
If the patient's strength and spirits flag, he must
be supported by strong broths, jellies, and such like.
Some recommend shel-lfish in this disorder, and
with some reason, as they are nourishing and
restorative. All the food and drink ought, however,
to be taken in small quantities lest an overcharge of
fresh chyle should oppress the lungs, and too much
accelerate the circulation of the blood.
The patient's mind ought to be kept as easy and
cheerful as possible. Consumptions are often oc-
casioned, and always aggravated by a melancholy
cast of mind; for which reason, music, cheerful
company, and every thing that inspires mirth, are
highly beneficial. The patient ought seldom to be
left alone, as brooding over his calamities is sure to
render him worse.
179
34
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
MEDICINE.-Though the cure of this disease de-
pends chiefly upon regimen and the patient's own
endeavours, yet we shall mention a few things which
may
be of service, in relieving some of the more
violent symptoms.
In the first stage of a consumption, the cough may
sometimes be appeased by bleeding; and the ex-
pectoration may be promoted by the following medi-
cines: Take fresh squills, gum ammoniac, and pow-
dered cardamum seeds, of each a quarter of an ounce;
beat them together in a mortar, and if the mass prove
too hard for pills, a little of any kind of syrup may
be added to it. This may be formed into pills of a
moderate size, and four or five of them taken
twice or thrice a day according as the patient's
stomach will bear them.
The lac ammoniacum, or milk of gum-ammoniac,
as it is called, is likewise a proper medicine in this
stage of the disease. It may be used as directed in
the pleurisy.
A mixture made of equal parts of lemon-juice,
fine honey, and syrup of poppies, may likewise be
used. Four ounces of each of these may be sim-
mered together in a sauce-pan, over a gentle fire,
and a table-spoonful of it taken at any time when
the cough is troublesome.
It is common, in this stage of the disease, to load
the patient's stomach with oily and balsamic medi-
cines. These, instead of removing the cause of the
disease, tend rather to increase it by heating the
blood, while they pall the appetite, relax the solids,
and prove every way hurtful to the patient. What-
ever is used for removing the cough, besides riding
and other proper regimen, ought to be medicines of
a sharp and cleansing nature; as oxymel, syrup of
lemon, &c.
Acids seem to have peculiarly good effects in
this disease; they both tend to quench the patient's
thirst and to cool the blood. The vegetable acids,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICIVE.
35
as apples, oranges, lemons, &c. appear to be the
most proper. I have known patients suck the juice
of several lemons every day with manifest advantage,
and would for this reason recommend acid vegeta-
bles to be taken in as great quantity as the stomach
will bear them.
For the patient's drink we would recommend in-
fusions of the bitter plants, as ground ivy, the lesser
centuary, camomile flowers, or water trefoil. These
infusions may be drunk at pleasure. They strengthen
the stomach, promote digestion, rectify the blood,
and at the same time answer all the purposes of di-
lution, and quench thirst much better than things
that are luscious or sweet. But if the patient spit
blood, he ought to use, for his ordinary drink, in-
fusions or decoctions of the vulnerary roots, plants,
&c.
There are many other mucilaginous plants and
seeds of a healing and agglutinating nature, from
which decoctions or infusions may be prepared with
the same intention; as the orches, quinceseed, colts-
foot, linseed, sarsaparilla, &c. It is not necessary
to mention the different ways in which these may
be prepared. Simple infusion or boiling is all that
is
necessary, and the dose may be taken at discretion.
The conserve of roses is here particularly proper.
It may either be put into the decoction above des-
cribed, or eaten by itself. No benefit is to be ex-
pected from trifling doses of this medicine. I never
knew it of any service, unless where three or four
ounces at least were used daily for a considerable
time. In this way I have seen it produce very hap-
py effects, and would recommend it wherever there
a discharge of blood from the lungs.
When the spitting up of gross matter, oppression
of the breast, and the hectic symptoms, show that an
imposthume is formed in the lungs, we would re-
commend the Peruvian bark, that being the only
drug which has any chance to counteract the gen-
36
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
eral tendency which the humours then have to pu-
trifaction.
An ounce of the bark in powder may be divided
into eighteen or twenty doses, of which one may be
taken every three hours through the day, in a little
syrup or a cup of horehound tea.
If the bark should happen to purge, it may be
made into an electuary, with the conserve of roses,
thus: Take old conserve of roses, a quarter of a
pound; Peruvian bark, a quarter of an ounce; sy-
rup of orange or lemon, as much as will make it of
the consistence of honey. This quantity will serve
the patient four or five days, and may be repeated
as there is occasion.
Such as cannot take the bark in substance, may
infuse it in cold water. This seems to be the best
menstruum for extracting the virtues of that drug.
Half an ounce of bark in powder may be infused for
twenty-four hours in half an English pint of water.
Afterwards, let it be passed through a fine strainer,
and an ordinary tea-cupful of it taken three or four
times a-day.
We would not recommend the bark while there are
any symptoms of an inflammation of the breast: but
when it is certainly known that matter is collecting
there, it is one of the best medicines which can be
used. Few patients, indeed, have resolution enough
to give the bark a fair trial at this period of the dis-
ense, otherwise we have reason to believe that some
benefit might be reaped from it.
When it is evident that there is an imposthume in
the breast, and the matter can neither be spit up
nor carried off by absorption, the patient must en-
deavour to make it break inwardly, by drawing in
the steams of warm water and vinegar with his breath,
coughing, laughing, bawling aloud, &c. When it
happens to burst within the lungs, the matter may
be discharged by the mouth. Sometimes indeed
the bursting of the vomica occasions immediate
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
37
death, by suffocating the patient. When the quan-
tity of matter is great, and the patient's strength ex-
hausted, this is commonly the case. At any rate
the patient is ready to fall into a swoon, and should
have volatile salts or spirits held to his nose.
If the matter discharged be thick, and the cough
and breathing become easier, there may be some
hopes of a cure. The diet at this time ought to be
light, but restorative, as chicken broths, sago-gruel,
rice milk, &c. the drink, butter-milk or whey,
sweetened with honey. This is likewise a proper
time for using the Peruvian bark, which may be ta-
ken as directed above.
If the vomica or imposthume should discharge it-
self into the cavity of the breast, between the pleura
and the lungs, there is no way of getting the matter
out, but by an incision, as has already been observ-
ed. As this operation must always be performed
by a surgeon, it is not necessary here to describe it.
We shall only add, that it is not so dreadful as
people are apt to imagine, and that it is the only
chance the patient in this case has for his life.
A NERVOUS CONSUMPTION, is a wasting or de-
cay of the whole body, without any considerable de-
gree of fever, cough, or difficulty of breathing. It
is attended with indigestion, weakness, loss of appe-
tite, &c.
Those who are of a fretful temper, who indulge in
spirituous liquors, or who breathe an unwholesome
air, are most liable to this disease.
We would chiefly recommend, for the cure of a
nervous consumption, a light and nourishing diet,
plenty of exercise in a free open air, and the use of
such bitters as brace and strengthen the stomach; as
the Peruvian bark, gentian root, camomile, hore-
hound, &c. These may be infused in water or wine,
and a glass of it drunk frequently.
It will greatly assist the digestion, and promote
the cure of this disease, to take, twice a-day, twenty
38
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
or thirty drops of the elixir of vitriol in a glass of
wine or water. The chalybeate wine is likewise an
excellent medicine in this case. It strengthens the
solids, and powerfully assists nature in the prepara-
tion of good blood.
Agreeable amusements, cheerful company, and
riding about, are however preferable to all medi-
cines in this disease. For which reason when the
patient can afford it, we would recommend a long
journey of pleasure, as the most likely means to re-
store his health.
What is called a symptomatic consumption, cannot
be cured without first removing the disease by which
it is occasioned. Thus when a consumption pro-
ceeds from the scrofula, or king's evil, from the
scurvy, the asthma, the venereal disease, &c. a due
attention must be paid to the malady from whence
it arises, and the regimen and medicine directed ac-
cordingly.
When excessive evacuations of any kind occasion
a consumption, they must not only be restrained,
but the patient's strength must be restored by gen-
tle exercise, nourishing diet, and generous cordials.
Young and delicate mothers often fall into consump-
tions, by giving suck too long. As soon as they
perceive their strength and appetite begin to fail,
they ought immediately to wean the child, or pro-
vide another nurse, otherwise they cannot expect a
cure.
OF THE SLOW OR NERVOUS FEVER.
NERVOUS fevers have increased greatly of late years
in this island, owing doubtless to our different man-
ner of living, and the increase of sedentary employ-
ments as they commonly attack persons of a weak,
relaxed habit, who neglect exercise, eat little solid
food, study hard, or indulge in spirituous liquors.
CAUSES.-Nervous fevers may be occasioned by
whatever depresses the spirits, or impoverishes the
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
39
blood as grief, fear, anxiety, want of sleep, intense
thought, living on poor watery diet, as unripe fruits,
cucumbers, melons, mushrooms, &c. They may
likewise be occasioned by damp, confined, or un-
wholesome air. Hence they are very common in
rainy seasons, and prove most fatal to those who live
in dirty low houses, crowded streets, hospitals, jails,
or such like places.
Persons whose constitutions have been broken
by excessive venery, frequent salivations, too free a
use of purgative medicines, or any other excessive
evacuations, are most liable to this disease.
Keeping on wet clothes, lying on the damp ground,
excessive fatigue, and whatever obstructs the per-
spiration or causes a spasmodic stricture of the so-
lids, may likewise occasion nervous fevers.
We
shall only add, frequent and great irregularities in
diet. Too great abstinence, as well as excess is
hurtful. Nothing tends so much to preserve the
body in a sound state, as a regular diet: nor can
any thing contribute more to occasion fevers of the
worst kind, than its opposite.
SYMPTOMS.-Low spirits, want of appetite, weak-
ness, weariness after motion, watchfulness, deep sigh-
ing, and dejection of mind, are generally the fore-
runners of this disease. These are succeeded by
a quick low pulse, a dry tongue without any consi-
derable thirst, chillness, and flushing, in turns, &c.
After some time the patient complains of a giddi-
ness and pain of the head, has a nausea, with retch-
ings and vomiting; the pulse is quick, and some-
times intermitting; the urine pale, resembling dead
small beer, and the breathing is difficult, with an
oppression of the breast, and slight alienations of
mind.
·
If towards the ninth, tenth, or twelfth day, the
tongue becomes very moist, with a plentiful spit-
ting, a gentle purging, or a moisture upon the skin;
or if a suppuration happen in one of the ears, or
40
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
large pustules break out about the lips and nose,
there is reason to hope for a favourable crisis.
But if there be an excessive looseness or wasting
sweats, with frequent fainting fits; if the tongue
when put out trembles excessively, and the extremi-
ties feel cold, with a fluttering or slow creeping
pulse; if there be a starting of the tendons, an al-
most total loss of sight and hearing, and an invol-
untary discharge by stool and urine, there is great
reason to fear that death is approaching.
REGIMEN. It is very necessary in this disease to
keep the patient cool and quiet. The least motion
would fatigue him, and will be apt to occasion weari-
ness, and even faintings. His mind ought not only
to be kept easy, but soothed and comforted with the
hopes of a speedy recovery. Nothing is more hurt-
ful in low fevers of this kind, than presenting to the
patient's imagination gloomy or frightful ideas.
These of themselves often occasion nervous fevers,
and it is not to be doubted but that they will like-
wise aggravate them.
The patient must not be kept too low. His strength
and spirits ought to be supported by nourishing diet
and generous cordials. For this purpose his gruel,
panado, or whatever food he takes, must be mixed
with wine according as the symptoms may require.
Pretty strong wine-whey, or small negus, sharpen-
ed with the juice of orange or lemon, will be proper
drink in this fever, and may be rendered an excel-
lent cordial medicine by the addition of a proper
quantity of white wine.
Wine in this disease, if it could be obtained gen-
uine, is almost the only medicine that would be ne-
cessary. Good wine possesses all the virtues of the
cordial medicines, while it is free from any of their
bad qualities; I say good wine: for however com-
mon this article of luxury is now become, it is
rarely to be obtained genuine, especially by the
poor, who are obliged to purchase it in small quan-
tities.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
41
I have often seen patients in low nervous fevers,
where the pulse could hardly be felt, with a constant
delirium, coolness of the extremities, and almost
every other mortal symptom, recover by using, in
whey, gruel, and negus, a bottle or two of strong
wine every day. Good old sound claret is the best,
and may be made into negus, or given by itself, as
circumstances may require.
port
In a word, the great aim in this disease is to sup-
the patient's strength, by giving him frequent-
y small quantities of the above, or other drinks of
a warm and cordial nature. He is not, however,
to be overheated either with liquor or clothes;
and his food ought to be light, and given in small
quantities.
MEDICINE.-Where a nausea, load, and sickness
at the stomach prevail at the beginning of the fever,
it will be necessary to give the patient a gentle vo-
mit. Fifteen or twenty grains of ipecacuanha in
fine powder, or a few spoonsful of the vomiting ju-
lap, will generally answer this purpose very well.
This may be repeated any time before the third or
fourth day, if the symptoms continue. Vomits not
only clean the stomach, but, by the general shock
• which they give, promote the perspiration, and have
many other excellent effects in slow fevers, where
there are no signs of inflammation, and nature wants
rousing.
Such as dare not venture upon a vomit, may clean
the bowels by a small dose of Turkey rhubarb, or
an infusion of senna and manna.
I have been more sensible of the advantage of blis-
tering, in this than in any other disease. Blister-
ing-plasters not only stimulate the solids to action,
but likewise occasion a continual discharge, which
may in some measure supply the want of critical
evacuations, which seldom happen in this kind of
a fever. They are most proper, however, either to-
wards the beginning, or after some degree of stupor
42
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
has come on, in which last case it will always be
proper to blister the head.
If the patient be costive through the course of the
disease, it will be necessary to produce a stool, by
giving him every day a clyster of milk and water,
with a little sugar, to which may be added a spoon-
ful of common salt, if the above does not operate.
Should a violent looseness come on, it may be
checked by small quantities of Venice treacle, or
giving the patient, for his ordinary drink, the white
decoction.
A miliary eruption sometimes breaks out about
the ninth or tenth day. As eruptions are often cri-
tical, great care should be taken not to retard na-
ture's operation in this particular. The eruption
ought neither to be checked by bleeding nor any
other evacuations, nor pushed out by a hot regimen ;
but the patient should be supported by gentle cor-
dials, as wine-whey, small negus, sago-gruel with a
little wine in it, and such like. He ought not to
be kept too warm, yet a kindly breathing sweat
should by no means be checked.
OF THE MALIGNANT, PUTRID, OR
SPOTTED FEVER.
THIS may be called the pestilential fever of Europe,
as in many of its symptoms it bears a resemblance
to that dreadful disease, the plague. Persons of a
lax habit, a melancholy disposition, and those whose
vigour has been wasted by long fasting, watching,
hard labour, excessive venery, frequent salivations,
&c. are most liable to it.
CAUSES. This fever is occasioned by foul air,
from a number of people being confined in a narrow
place, not properly ventilated; from putrid animal
and vegetable effluvia, &c. Hence it prevails in
camps, jails, hospitals, and infirmaries, especially
where such places are too much crowded, and clean-
liness is neglected.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
43
A close constitution of the air, with long rainy or
foggy weather; living too much upon animal food,
without a proper mixture of vegetables, or eating
fish or flesh that has been kept too long, are apt
to occasion this kind of fever.
Corn that has been greatly damaged by rainy sea-
sons, or long keeping, and water which has become
putrid by stagnation, &c. may likewise occasion this
fever.
Want of cleanliness is a very general cause of pu-
trid fevers. Hence they prevail amongst the poor
inhabitants of large towns, who breathe a confined
unwholesome air, and neglect cleanliness.
We shall only add, that putrid, malignant, or spot-
ted fevers are highly infectious, and are therefore
often communicated by contagion. For which rea-
son, all persons ought to keep at a distance from
those affected with such diseases, unless their at-
tendance is absolutely necessary.
SYMPTOMS.-The malignant fever is generally pre-
ceded by a remarkable weakness or loss of strength,
without any apparent cause. This is sometimes so
great, that the patient can scarcely walk, or even sit
upright, without being in danger of fainting away.
His mind too is greatly dejected; he sighs, and is
full of dreadful apprehensions.
There is a nausea, and sometimes a vomiting of
bile; a violent pain of the head, with a strong pul-
sation or throbbing of the temporal arteries, the eyes
often appear red and inflamed, with a pain at the bot-
tom of the orbit; there is a noise in the ears, the
breathing is laborious, and often interrupted with a
sigh; the patient complains of a pain about the re-
gions of the stomach, and in his back and loins; his
tongue is at first white, but afterwards it appears
black and chapped: and his teeth are covered with
a black crust. He sometimes passes worms both
upwards and downwards, is affected with tremors or
shaking, and often becomes delirious.
なん
​44
BUCILAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
Putrid fevers may be distinguished from the in-
flammatory, by the smallness of the pulse, the great
dejection of mind, the dissolved state of the blood,
the petechiæ or purple spots, and the putrid smell
of the excrements. They may likewise be distin-
guished from the low or nervous fever, by the heat
and thirst being greater, the urine of a higher co-
lour, and the loss of strength, dejection of mind, and
all the other symptoms, more violent.
It sometimes happens, however, that the inflam-
matory, nervous, and putrid symptoms, are so blend-
ed together as to render it very difficult to deter-
mine to which class the fever belongs. In this case
the greatest caution and skill are requisite. Atten-
tion must be paid to those symptoms which are
most prevalent, and both the regimen and medicines
adapted to them.
Inflammatory and nervous fevers may be convert-
ed into malignant and putrid, by too hot a regimen,
or improper medicines.
The duration of putrid fevers is extremely uncer-
tain; sometimes they terminate between the se-
venth and fourteenth days, and at other times they
are prolonged for five or six weeks. Their duration
depends greatly upon the constitution of the patient,
and the manner of treating the disease.
The most favourable symptoms are, a gentle loose-
ness after the fourth or fifth day, with a warm, mild,
sweat. These, when continued for a considerable
time, often carry off the fever, and should never be
imprudently stopped. Small miliary pustules ap-
pearing between the petechia or purple spots are
likewise favourable, as also hot, scabby eruptions.
about the mouth and nose. It is a good sign when
the pulse rises upon the use of wine or other cor-
dials, and the nervous symptoms abate; deafness,
coming on towards the decline of the fever, is like-
often a favourable symptom, as are abcesses in the
groin or parotid glands.
Among the unfavourable symptoms may be reck-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
45
oned an excessive looseness, with a hard swelled
belly, large black or livid blotches breaking out up-
on the skin, aphthæ in the mouth, cold clammy
sweats, blindness, change of the voice, a wild star-
ing of the eyes, difficulty of swallowing, inability to
put out the tongue, and a constant inclination to
uncover the breast. When the sweat and saliva are
tinged with blood, and the urine is black, or depo-
sits a bloody sooty sediment, the patient is in great.
danger. Starting of the tendons, and fetid, ichor-
ous, involuntary stools, attended with coldness of
the extremities, are generally the forerunners of
death.
-
REGIMEN. In the treatment of this disease, we
ought to endeavour, as far as possible, to counter-
act the putrid tendency of the humours, to support
the patient's strength and spirits, and to assist
nature in expelling the cause of the disease, by
gently promoting perspiration and the other eva-
cuations.
It has been observed, that putrid fevers are often
occasioned by unwholesome air, and of course they
must be aggravated by it. Care should therefore
be taken to prevent the air from stagnating in the
patient's chamber, to keep it cool, and renew it fre-
quently, by opening the doors or windows of some
adjacent apartment. The breath and perspiration
of persons in perfect health soon render the air of a
small apartment noxious; but this will sooner hap-
pen from the perspiration and breathing of a person
whose whole mass of humours is in a putrid state.
Besides the frequent admission of fresh air, we
would recommend the use of vinegar, verjuice, the
juice of lemon, Seville orange, or any kind of vege-
table acid that can be most readily obtained. These
ought frequently to be sprinkled on the floor, the
bed, and every part of the room. They may also
be evaporated with a hot iron, or by boiling, &c.
The fresh skins of lemons or oranges ought likewise
40
CUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
to be laid in different parts of the room, and they
should be frequently held to the patient's nose.
The use of acids in this manner would not only
prove very refreshing to the patient, but would like-
wise tend to prevent the infection from spreading
among those who attend him. Strong-scented herbs,
as rue, tansy, rosemary, wormwood, &c. may like-
wise be laid in different parts of the house, and
smelled to by those who go near the patient.
The patient must not only be kept cool, but quiet
and easy.
The least noise will affect his head, and
the smallest fatigue will be apt to make him faint.
Few things are of greater importance to this dis-
ease than acids, which ought to be mixed with all
the patient's food as well as drink. Orange, lemon,
or vinegar-whey, are all very proper, and may be
drunk by turns according to the patient's inclination.
They may be rendered cordial by the addition of
wine, in such quantity as the patient's strength
seems to require. When he is very low, he may
drink negus, with only one half water, and sharp-
ened with the juice of bitter orange or lemon. In
some cases a glass of wine may now and then be
allowed. The most proper wine is Rhenish; but,
if the body be open, red port or claret is to be pre-
ferred.
When the body is bound, a tea-spoonful of the
cream of tartar may be put into a cup of the pa-
tient's drink, as there is occasion; or he may drink
a decoction of tamarinds, which will both quench
his thirst and promote a discharge by stool.
If camomile tea will sit upon his stomach, it is a
very proper drink in this disease. It may be sharp-
ened by adding to every cup of tea, ten or fifteen
drops of the elixir of vitriol.
The food must be light, as panado, or groat-gruel,
to which a little wine may be added, if the patient
be weak and low; and they ought all to be sharp-
ened with the juice of orange, the jelly of currants,
DUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
47
or the like.
The patient ought likewise to eat
freely of ripe fruits, as roasted apples, currant or
gooseberry tarts, preserved cherries, or plums,
&c.
Taking a little food or drink frequently, not only
supports the spirits, but counteracts the putrid ten-
dency of the humours; for which reason the patient
ought frequently to be sipping small quantities of
some of the acid liquors mentioned above, or any
that may be more agreeable to his palate, or more
readily obtained.
If he be delirious, his feet and bands ought to be
frequently fomented with a strong infusion of camo-
mile flowers. This, or an infusion of the bark, to
such as can afford it, cannot fail to have a good ef-
fect. Fomentations of this kind not only relieve
the head, by relaxing the vessels in the extremities,
but, as their contents are absorbed, and taken into
the system, they may assist in preventing the pu-
trescency of the humours.
MEDICINE. If a vomit be given at the beginning
of this fever, it will hardly fail to have a good ef-
fect; but if the fever has gone on for some days,
and the symptoms are violent, vomits are not quite
so safe. The body, however, is always to be kept
gently open, by clysters, or mild laxative medi-
cines.
Bleeding is seldom necessary in putrid fevers. If
there be signs of an inflammation, it may sometimes
be permitted at the first onset; but the repetition of
it generally proves hurtful.
Blistering plasters are never to be used unless in
the greatest extremities. If the petechiæ or spots
should suddenly disappear, the patient's pulse sinks
remarkably, and a delirium, with other bad symp-
toms, come on, blistering may be permitted.
In
this case the blistering plasters are to be applied to
the head, and inside of the legs or thighs. But as
they are sometimes apt to occasion a gangrene, w
48
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
would rather recommend warm cataplasms, or poul-
tices of mustard and vinegar, to be applied to the
feet, having recourse to blisters only in the utmost
extremities.
It is common, in the beginning of this fever, to
give the emetic tartar in small doses, repeated every
second or third hour, till it shall either vomit, purge,
or throw the patient in a sweat. This practice is
very proper, provided it be not pushed so far as to
weaken the patient.
In the most dangerous species of this disease,
when it is attended with purple, livid, or black spots,
the Peruvian bark must be administered. I have
seen it, when joined with acids, prove very success-
ful, even in cases where the petechiae had the most
threatening aspect. But, to answer this purpose, it
must not only be given in large doses, but duly per-
sisted in.
The best method of administering the bark is cer-
tainly in substance. An ounce of it in powder may
be mixed with half an English pint of water, and
the same quantity of red wine, and sharpened with
the elixir or spirit of vitriol, which will both make
it sit easier on the stomach, and render it more be-
neficial. Two or three ounces of the syrup of lemon
may be added; and two table-spoonsful of the mix-
ture taken every two hours, or oftener, if the sto-
mach is able to bear it.
Those who cannot take the bark in substance,
may infuse it in wine, as recommended in the pre-
ceding disease.
If there be a violent looseness, the bark must be
boiled in red wine with a little cinnamon, and sharp-
ened with the elixir of vitriol as above. Nothing
can be more beneficial in this kind of looseness than
plenty of acids, and such things as promote a gentle
perspiration.
If the patient be troubled with vomiting, a drachm
of the salt of wormwood, dissolved in an ounce and
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
49
a half of fresh lemon juice, and made into a draught,
with an ounce of simple cinnamon-water, and a bit
of sugar, may be given, and repeated as often as it is
necessary.
If swellings of the glands appear, their suppura-
tion is to be promoted by the application of poulti-
ces, ripening cataplasms, &c. and as soon as there
is any appearance of matter in them, they ought to
be laid open, and the poultices continued.
I have known large ulcerous sores break out in
various parts of the body, in the decline of this fe-
ver, of a livid gangrenous appearance, and a most
putrid cadaverous smell. These gradually healed,
and the patient recovered by a plentiful use of Peru-
vian bark and wine, sharpened with vitriolic acid.
When a putrid fever seizes any person in a fami
ly, the greatest attention is necessary to prevent the
disease from spreading. The sick ought to be placed
in a large apartment, as remote from the rest of
the family as possible; he ought likewise to be kept
extremely clean, and should have fresh air frequent-
ly let into his chamber; whatever comes from him
should be immediately removed, his linen should be
frequently changed, and those in health ought to
avoid all unnecessary communication with him.
Any one who is apprehensive they have caught
the infection, ought immediately to take a vonìit,
and to work it off by drinking plentifully of camo-
mile-tea. This may be repeated in a day or two, if
the apprehensions still continue, or any unfavour-
able symptom appear.
The patient ought likewise to take an infusion of
the bark and camomile flowers, for his ordinary
drink; and, before he goes to bed, he may drink an
English pint of pretty strong negus, or a few glasses
of generous wine. I have been frequently obliged
to follow this course when malignant fevers pre-
vailed, and have likewise recommended it to others
with constant success.
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​179
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50
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
Those who wait upon the sick, in putrid fevers,
ought always to have a piece of sponge or a hand-
kerchief dipt in vinegar, or juice of lemon, to smell
to while near the patient. They ought likewise to
wash their hands, and, if possible, to change their
clothes, before they go into company.
OF THE MILIARY FEVER.
THIS fever takes its name from the small pustules
or bladders which appear on the skin, resembling,
in shape and size, the seeds of millet. The pustules
are either red or white, and sometimes both are mix-
ed together.
The whole body is sometimes covered with pus-
tules; but they are generally more numerous where
the sweat is most abundant, as on the breast, the
back, &c. A gentle sweat or moisture on the skin
greatly promotes the eruption; but when the skin
is dry, the eruption is both more painful and dan-
gerous.
Sometimes this is a primary disease; but it is
much oftener only a symptom of some other malady,
as the small-pox, measies, ardent, putrid, or nervous
fever, &c. In all these cases, it is generally the ef-
fect of too hot a regimen or medicine.
The miliary fever chiefly attacks the idle and the
phlegmatic, or persons of a relaxed habit. The
young and the aged are more liable to it than those
in the vigour and prime of life. It is likewise more
incident to women than men, especially the delicate
and the indolent, who, neglecting exercise, keep
continually within doors, and live upon weak wa-
tery diet.
Such females are extremely liable to be
scized with this disease in childbed, and often lose
their lives by it.
CAUSES. The miliary fever is sometimes occa-
sioned by violent passions or affections of the mind,
as excessive grief, anxiety, thoughtfulness, &c. lt
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
51
may likewise be occasioned by excessive watching,
great evacuations, a weak watery diet, rainy sea-
sons, eating too freely of cold, crude, unripe fruits,
as plums, cherries, cucumbers, melons, &c. Im-
pure waters, or provisions which have been spoiled
by rainy reasons, long keeping, &c. may likewise
cause miliary fevers. They may also be occasioned
by the stoppage of any customary evacuation, as
issues, setons, ulcers, the bleeding piles in men, or
the menstrual flux in women, &c.
This disease in child-bed women is sometimes the
effect of great costiveness, during pregnancy; it may
likewise be occasioned by the excessive use of green
trash, and other unwholesome things, in which preg-
nant women are too apt to indulge. But its most
general cause is indolence. Such women as lead a
sedentary life, especially during pregnancy, and at
the same time live grossly, can hardly escape this
disease in childbed. Hence it proves extremely fa-
tal to women of fashion, and likewise to those wo-
men in manufacturing towns, who, in order to assist
their husbands, sit close within doors for almost
the whole of their time. But among women who
are active and laborious, who live in the country,
and take sufficient exercise without doors, this dis-
ease is very little known.
SYMPTOMS.-When this is a primary disease, it
makes its attack, like most other eruptive fevers,
with a slight shivering, which is succeeded by heat,
loss of strength, faintishness, sighing, a low, quick,
pulse, difficulty in breathing, with great anxiety and
oppression of the breast. The patient is restless,
and sometimes delirious; the tongue appears white,
and the hands shake, with often a burning heat
in the palms; and in child-bed women the milk
generally goes away, and the other discharges
stop.
The patient feels an itching or pricking pain un-
der the skin, after which innumerable small pus-
52
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
tules, of a red or white colour, begin to appear. Up-
on this the symptoms generally abate, the pulse be-
comes more full and soft, the skin grows moister,
and the sweat, as the disease advances, begins to
have a peculiar fetid smell; the great load on the
breast, and oppression of the spirits, generally go
off, and the customary evacuations gradually re-
turn. About the sixth or seventh day from the e-
ruption, the pustules begin to dry and fall off, which
occasions a very disagreeable itching in the skin.
It is impossible to ascertain the exact time when
the pustules will either appear or go off. They ge-
nerally come out on the third or fourth day, when
the eruption is critical; but when symptomatical,
they may appear at any time of the disease.
Sometimes the pustules appear and vanish by
turns. When that is the case, there is always dan-
ger; but when they go in all of a sudden, and do
not appear again, the danger is very great.
In childbed-women the pustules are commonly
at first filled with clear water, afterwards they grow
yellowish. Sometimes they are interspersed with
pustules of a red colour. When these only appear,
the disease goes by the name of a rash.
REGIMEN. In all eruptive fevers, of whatever
kind, the chief point is to prevent the sudden dis-
appearing of the pustules, and to promote their ma-
turation. For this purpose, the patient must be
kept in such a temperature, as neither to push out
the eruption too fast, nor to cause it to retreat pre-
maturely. The diet and drink ought therefore to
be in a moderate degree nourishing and cordial;
but neither strong nor heating. The patient's cham-
ber ought neither to be kept too hot nor cold: and
he should not be too much covered with clothes.
Above all, the mind is to be kept easy and cheer-
ful. Nothing so certainly makes an eruption go in
as fear, or the apprehension of danger.
The food must be weak chicken broth, with bread,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
53
panado, sago, or groat-gruel, &c. to a gill of which
may be added a spoonful or two of wine, as the pa-
tient's strength requires, with a few grains of salt,
and a little sugar. Good apples, roasted or boiled,
with other ripe fruits of an opening and cooling na-
ture, may be eaten.
The drink may be suited to the state of the pa-
tient's strength and spirits. If these be pretty good,
the drink ought to be weak; as water-gruel, balm-
tea, or the decoction mentioned below.
When the patient's spirits are low, and the erup-
tion does not rise sufficiently, his drink must be a
little more generous: as wine-whey, or small ne-
gus sharpened with the juice of orange or lemon,
and made stronger or weaker as circumstances may
require.
Sometimes the miliary fever approaches towards
a putrid nature, in which case the patient's strength
must be supported with generous cordials, joined
with acids; and if the degree of putrescence be great,
the Peruvian bark must be administered. If the
head be much affected, the body must be kept
open by emollient clysters.
MEDICINE.-If the food and drink be properly
regulated, there will be little occasion for medicine
in this disease. Should the eruption however not
rise, or the spirits flag, it will not only be necessary
to support the patient with cordials, but likewise to
apply blistering plasters. The most proper cor-
dial in this case is good wine, which may either be
taken in the patient's food or drink; and if there
be signs of putrescence, the bark and acids may be
mixed with wine, as directed in the putrid fever.
Though this fever is often occasioned in childbed
women by too hot a regimen, yet it would be dan-
gerous to leave that off all of a sudden, and have re-
course to a very cool regimen, and large evacua-
tions. We have reason to believe, that supporting
the patient's spirits, and promoting the natural e-
54
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
vacuations, is here much safer than to have recourse
to artificial ones, as these, by sinking the spirits, sel-
dom fail to increase the danger.
If the disease proves tedious, or the recovery
slow, we would recommend the Peruvian bark, which
may either be taken in substance, or infused in wine
or water, as the patient inclines.
The miliary fever, like other eruptive diseases, re-
quires gentle purging, which should not be neglect-
cd, as soon as the fever is gone off, and the patient's
strength will permit.
OF THE REMITTING FEVER.
THIS fever takes its name from a remission of the
symptoms, which happens sometimes sooner, and
sometimes later, but generally before the eighth day.
The remission is generally preceded by a gentle
sweat, after which the patient seems greatly re-
lieved, but in a few hours the fever returns. These
remissions return at very irregular periods, and are
sometimes of longer, sometimes of shorter duration;
the nearer, however, that the fever approaches to a
regular intermittent, the danger is less.
CAUSES.-Remitting fevers prevail in low marshy
countries, abounding with wood and stagnating wa-
ter; but they prove most fatal in places where great
heat and moisture are combined, as in some parts of
Africa, the province of Bengal, in the East Indies,
&c. where remitting fevers are generally of a putrid
kind, and prove very fatal. They are most fre-
quent in close calm weather, especially after rainy
seasons, great inundations, or the like.
No age,
sex, or constitution is exempted from the attack of
this fever, but it chiefly seizes persons of a relaxed
habit, who live in low, dirty habitations, breathe an
impure, stagnating air, take little exercise, and use
unwholesome diet.
SYMPTOMS. The first symptoms of this fever are
*
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
55
generally yawning, stretching, pain and giddiness
in the head, with alternate heat and cold. Some-
times the patient is affected with a delirium at the
very first attack. There is a pain, and sometimes a
swelling, about the region of the stomach, the tongue
is white, the eyes and skin frequently appear
yellow, and the patient is often afflicted with bilious
vomitings. The pulse is sometimes a little bard,
but seldom full, and the blood, when let, rarely
shows any signs of inflammation. Some patients
are exceedingly costive, and others are afflicted with
a very troublesome looseness.
REGIMEN.-The regimen must be adapted to the
prevailing symptoms. When there are any signs
of an inflammation, the diet must be slender, the
drink weak and diluting. But when nervous or pu-
trid symptoms prevail, it will be necessary to sup-
port the patient with food and liquors of a more ge-
nerous nature, such as are recommended in the im-
mediately preceding fevers. We must, however,
be very cautious in the use of things of a heating
quality, as this fever is frequently changed into a
continual fever, by a hot regimen and improper me-
dicine.
Whatever the symptoms are, the patient ought to
be kept cool, quiet, and clean. His apartment, if
possible, should be large, and frequently ventilated
by letting in fresh air at the doors and windows. It
ought likewise to be sprinkled with vinegar, juice
of lemon, or the like. His linen, bed-clothes, &c.
should be frequently changed, and all his excrements
immediately removed. Though these things have
been recommended before, we think it necessary to
repeat them here, as they are of more importance to
the sick, than practitioners are apt to imagine.
MEDICINE. In order to cure this fever, we must
endeavour to bring it to a regular intermission. This
intention may be promoted by bleeding, if there be
any signs of inflammation; but when this is not
56
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
the case, bleeding ought by no means to be attempt-
ed, as it will weaken the patient and prolong the
disease. A vomit, however, will seldom be impro-
per, and is generally of service. Twenty or thirty
grains of ipecacuanha will answer this purpose well;
but, where it can be obtained, we would rather re-
commend a grain or two of tartar emetic, with five
or six grains of ipecacuanha, to be made into a
draught, and given for a vomit. This may be re-
peated once or twice at proper intervals, if the sick-
ness or nausea continues.
The body ought to be kept open either by clys-
ters or gentle laxatives, as weak infusions of senna
and manna, small doses of the lenitive electuary,
cream of tartar, tamarinds, stewed prunes, or the
like; but all strong or drastic purgatives are to be
carefully avoided.
By this course the fever in a few days may gene-
rally be brought to a pretty regular or distinct in-
termission, in which case the Peruvian bark may
be administered, and it will seldom fail to perfect
the cure. It is needless here to repeat the methods
of giving the bark, as we have already had occasion
frequently to mention them.
OF THE SMALL-POX.
THIS disease, which originally came from Arabia,
is now become so general, that very few escape it at
one time of life or another. It is a most contagious
malady; and has for many years proved the scourge
of Europe.
The small-pox generally appear towards the
spring. They are very frequent in summer, less so
in autumn, and least of all in winter. Children are
most liable to this disease; and those whose food is
unwholesome, who want proper exercise, and abound
with gross humours, run the greatest hazard from it.
The discase is distinguished into the distinct and
BUCHAN'S DOMISTIC MEDICINE.
57
confluent kind; the latter of which is always attended
with danger. There are likewise other distinctions
of the small-pox; as the crystalline, the bloody, &c.
CAUSES. The small-pox is commonly caught by
infection. Since the disease was brought first into
Europe, the infection has never been wholly extin-
guished, nor have any proper methods, as far as I
know, been taken for that purpose; so that it is now
become in a manner constitutional. Children who
have over-heated themselves by running, wrestling,
&c. or adults, after a debauch, are most apt to be
seized with the small-pox.
SYMPTOMS. This disease is so generally known,
that a minute description of it is unnecessary.
Children commonly look a little dull, seem listless
and drowsy, for a few days before the more violent
symptoms of the small-pox appear. They are like-
wise more inclined to drink than usual, have little
appetite for solid food, complain of weariness, and,
upon taking exercise, are apt to sweat. These
symptoms are succeeded by slight fits of cold and
heat in turns, which, as the time of the eruption ap-
proaches, become more violent, and are accompanied
with pains of the head and loins, vomiting, &c. The
pulse is quick, with a great heat of the skin, and
restlessness. When the patient drops asleep, he
wakes in a kind of horror, with a sudden start, which
is a very common symptom of the approaching
eruption; as are also convulsive fits in very young
children.
About the third or fourth day from the time of
sickening, the small-pox generally begin to appear;
sometimes indeed they appear sooner, but that is no
favourable symptom. At first they very nearly re-
semble flea-bites, and are soonest discovered on the
face, arms, and breast.
The most favourable symptoms are a slow eruption,
and an abatement of the fever as soon as the pustules
appear. In a mild, distinct kind of small pox, the
58
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
pustules seldom appear before the fourth day from
the time of sickening, and they generally keep
coming out gradually for several days after. Pus
tules which are distinct, with a florid red basis, and
which fill with thick purulent matter, first of a
whitish, and afterwards of a yellowish colour, are the
best.
A livid brown colour of the pustules is an unfa-
vourable symptom; as also when they are small and
flat, with black specks in the middle. Pustules
which contain a thin watery ichor are very bad. A
great number of pox on the face is always attended
with danger. It is likewise a very bad sign when
they run into one another.
It is a most unfavourable symptom when petechiæ,
or purple, brown, or black spots are interspersed
among the pustules. These are signs of a putrid
dissolution of the blood, and show the danger to be
very great. Bloody stools, or urine, with a swelled
body, are bad symptoms, as is also a continual stran-
gury. Pale urine and a violent throbbing of the
arteries of the neck, are signs of an approaching de-
lirium, or of convulsion fits. When the face does
not swell, or falls before the pox come to ma-
turity, it is very unfavourable. If the face begins to
fall about the eleventh or twelfth day, and at the
same time the hands and feet begin to swell, the
patient does well; but when these do succeed each
other, there is reason to apprehend danger. When
the tongue is covered over with a brown crust, it is
an unfavourable symptom. Cold shivering fits,
coming on at the height of the disease, are likewise
unfavourable. Grinding of the teeth, when it pro-
ceeds from an affection of the nervous system, is a
bad sign; but sometimes it is occasioned by worms,
or a disordered stomach.
REGIMEN. When the first symptoms of the small-
pox appear, people are ready to be alarmed, and
often fly to the use of medicine, to the great danger
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
59
of the patient's life. I have known children, to ap-
pease the anxiety of their parents, bled, blistered,
and purged, during the fever which preceded the
eruption of the small pox, to such a degree that
nature was not only disturbed in her operation, but
rendered unable to support the pustules, after they
were out; so that the patient, exhausted by mere
evacuations, sunk under the discase.
When convulsions appear, they give a dreadful
alarm. Immediately soine nostrum is applied, as if
this were a primary disease, whercas it is only a
symptom, and far from being an unfavourable one,
of the approaching eruption. As the fits generally go
off before the actual appearance of the small-pox, it
is attributed to the medicine, which by this means
acquires a reputation without any merit.
All that is, generally speaking, necessary, during
the eruptive fever, is to keep the patient cool and
easy, allowing him to drink freely of some weak dilut-
ing liquors; as balm-tea, barley-water, clear whey,
gruels, &c. He should not be confined to bed, but
should sit up as long as he is able, and should have
his feet and legs frequently bathed in luke-warm
water. His food ought to be very light; and he
should be as little disturbed with company as pos-
sible.
Much mischief is done at this period, by confining
the patient too soon to his bed, and plying him with
warm cordials or sudorific medicines. Every thing
that heats and inflames the blood, increases the fever,
and pushes out the pustules prematurely. This has
numberless ill effects. It not only increases the
number of pustules, but likewise tends to make them
run into one another; and when they have been
pushed out with too great violence, they generally
fall in before they come to maturity.
The good women, as soon as they see the small-
pox begin to appear, commonly ply their tender
charge with cordials; saffron, and marigold tea, wine,
60
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
punch, and even brandy itself. All these are given
with a view, as they term it, to throw out the eruption.
from the heart. This, like most other popular mis-
takes, is the abuse of a very just observation, that
when there is a moisture on the skin, the pox rise better,
and the patient is easier, than when it continues dry
and parched. But that is no reason for forcing the
patient into a sweat. Sweating never relieves unless
it comes spontaneously, or is the effect of drinking
weak diluting liquors. The patient ought to have no
more clothing in bed than is necessary to prevent
his catching cold, and should be frequently taken up
to keep him cool, and prevent too great a flux of
blood towards the head.
Children are often so peevish that they will not
lie in bed without a nurse constantly by them. In-
dulging them in this, we have reason to believe, has
many bad effects both upon the nurse and the child.
Even the natural heat of the nurse cannot fail to
augment the fever of the child; but if she too prove
feverish, which is often the case, the danger must be
increased.
Laying several children who have the small-pox,
in the same bed, has mauy ill consequences. They
ought, if possible, never to be in the same chamber.
A patient should not be suffered to be dirty in an
internal disease, far less in the small-pox. Cutane-
ous disorders are often occasioned by nastiness
alone, and are always increased by it. The patient's
linen should be changed every day; it will greatly
refresh him. Care indeed is to be taken that the
linen be thoroughly dry. It ought likewise to be
put on when the patient is most cool.
The food in this disease ought to be very light,
and of a cooling nature, as panado, or bread boiled
with equal quantities of milk and water, good apples
roasted or boiled with milk, and sweetened with a
little sugar or such like.
The drink may be equal parts of milk and water,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
61
clear sweet whey, barley water, or thin gruel, &c.
After the pox are full, butter-milk, being of an
opening and cleansing nature, is a very proper drink.
MEDICINE.-This disease is generally divided into
four different periods, viz. the fever which precedes
the eruption, the eruption itself, the suppuration or
maturation of the pustules, and secondary fever.
It has already been observed, that little more is
necessary, during the primary fever, than to keep
the patient cool and quiet, allowing him to drink
diluting liquors, and bathing his feet frequently in
warm water. Though this be generally the safest
course that can be taken with infants, yet adults, of
a strong constitution and plethoric habit, sometimes
require bleeding. When a full pulse, a dry skin,
and other symptoms of inflammation, render this
operation necessary, it ought to be performed; but
unless these symptoms are urgent, it is safer to let
it alone; if the body is bound, emollient clysters
may be thrown in.
If there is a great nausea or inclination to vomit,
weak camomile tea or lukewarm water may be drunk,
in order to cleanse the stomach. At the beginning
of a fever, nature generally attempts a discharge,
either upwards or downwards, which, if promoted
by gentle means, would tend greatly to abate the
violence of the disease.
Though every method is to be taken, during the
primary fever, by cool regimen, &c. to prevent too
great an eruption, yet, after the pustules have made
their appearance, our business is to promote the
suppuration, by diluting drink, light food, and, if
nature seems to flag, by generous cordials. When
a low creeping pulse, faintishness, and great loss of
strength, render cordials necessary, we would re-
commend good wine, which may be made into negus,
with an equal quantity of water, and sharpened with
the juice of an orange, the jelly of currants, or the
like. Wine-whey, sharpened as above, is likewise a
62
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
proper drink in this case; great care however must
be taken not to overheat the patient by any of these
things. This, instead of promoting, would retard
the eruption.
The rising of the small-pox is often prevented by
the violence of the fever: in this case the cool regi-
men is strictly to be observed. The patient's cham-
ber must not only be kept cool, but he ought like-
wise to be frequently taken out of bed, and to be
lightly covered with clothes while in it.
Excessive restlessness often prevents the rising
and filling of the small-pox. When this happens,
gentle opiates are necessary. These, however, ought
always to be administered with a sparing hand. To
an infant, a tea-spoonful of the syrup of poppies
may be given every five or six hours, till it has the
desired effect. An adult will require a table-spoonful
in order to answer the same purpose.
If the patient be troubled with a strangury or sup
pression of urine, which often happens in the small-
pox, he should be frequently taken out of bed, and,
if he be able, should walk across the room with hist
feet bare. When he cannot do this, he may fre-
quently be set on his knees in bed, and should en-
deavour to pass his urine as often as he can. When
these do not succeed, a tea-spoonful of the sweet
spirits of nitre may be occasionally mixed with his
drink. Nothing more certainly relieves the patient,
or is more beneficial in the small-pox, than a plen-
tiful discharge of urine.
If the mouth be foul, and the tongue dry and
chapped, it ought frequently to be washed, and the
throat gargled with water and honey, sharpened with
a little vinegar or currant-jelly.
During the rising of the small-pox, it frequently
happens that the patient is eight or ten days without
a stool. This not only tends to heat and inflame the
blood, but the fæces, by lodging so long in the body,
become acrid, and even putrid; from whence bad
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
63
consequences must ensue. It will therefore be
proper when the body is bound, to throw in an emol-
lient clyster every second or third day, through
the whole course of the disease. This will greatly
cool and relieve the patient.
When petechiæ, purple, black, or livid spots ap-
pear among the small-pox, the Peruvian bark must
immediately be administered in as large doses as the
patient's stomach can bear. For a child, two drachms
of the bark in powder may be mixed in three ounces
of common water, one ounce of simple cinnamon-
water, and two ounces of the syrup of orange or le-
mon. This may be sharpened with the spirits of
vitriol, and a table-spoonful of it be given every
hour. If it be given to an adult, in the same form,
he may take at least three or four spoonsful every
hour. This medicine ought not to be trifled with,
but must be administered as frequently as the
stomach can bear it; in which case it will often pro-
duce very happy effects. I have frequently seen
the petechiæ disappear, and the small-pox, which
had a very threatening aspect, rise and fill with
laudable matter, by the use of the bark and acids.
The patient's drink ought likewise in this case to
be generous, as wine or strong negus acidulated with
spirits of vitriol, vinegar, the juice of lemon, jelly of
currants, or such like. His food must consist of
apples, roasted or boiled, preserved cherries, plums,
and other fruits of an acid nature.
The bark and acids are not only necessary when
the petechiæ or putrid symptoms appear, but like-
wise in the lymphatic or crystalline small-pox,
where the matter is thin and not duly prepared.
The Peruvian bark seems to possess a singular power
of assisting nature in preparing laudable pus, or
what is called good matter; consequently it must be
beneficial both in this and other diseases, where the
crisis depends upon a suppuration. I have often
$4
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
observed where the small-pox were flat, and the
matter contained in them quite clear and transparent,
and where at first they had the appearance of running
into one another, that the Peruvian bark, acidulated
as above, changed the colour and consistence of the
matter, and produced the most happy effects.
When the eruption subsides suddenly, or, as the
good women term it, when the small-pox strike in,
before they have arrived at maturity, the danger is
very great. In this case blistering-plasters must be
immediately applied to the wrists and ancles, and
the patient's spirits supported with cordials.
The most dangerous period of this disease is what
we call the secondary fever. This generally comes
on when the small-pox begin to blacken, or turn on
the face; most of those who die of the small-pox are
carried off by this fever.
Nature generally attempts, at the turn of the
small-pox, to relieve the patient by loose stools.
Her endeavours this way are by no means to be
counteracted, but promoted; and the patient at the
same time supported by food and driuk of a nourish-
ing and cordial nature.
If, at the approach of the secondary fever, the
pulse be very quick, hard, and strong, the heat in-
tense, and the breathing laborious, with other symp-
toms of an inflammation of the breast, the patient
must immediately be bled. The quantity of blood
to be let must be regulated by the patient's strength,
age, and urgency of the symptoms.
But in the secondary fever, if the patient be faint-
ish, the pustules become suddenly pale, and if there
be great coldness of the extremities, blistering-plas-
ters must be applied, and the patient must be sup-
ported with generous cordials. Wine, and even
spirits, have sometimes been given in such cases with
amazing success.
As the secondary fever is in a great measure, if
CUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
65
not wholly, owing to the absorption of the matter, it
would seem highly consonant to reason, that the
pustules, as soon as they come to maturity, should
Ee opened. This is every day practised in other
phlegmons which tend to suppuration; and there
seems to be no cause why it should be less proper
here. On the contrary, we have reason to believe,
that by this means the secondary fever might always
be lessened, and often wholly prevented.
The pustules should be opened when they begin
to turn of a yellow colour. Very little art is neces-
sary for this operation. They may either be open-
ed with a lancet or a needle, and the matter absorbed
by a little dry lint. As the pustules are generally
first ripe on the face, it will be proper to begin with
opening these, and the others in course as they be-
come ripe. The pustules generally fill again, a
second, or even a third time; for which cause the
operation must be repeated, or rather continued as
long as there is any considerable appearance of mat-
ter in the pustules.
It is generally necessary, after the small-pox are
gone off, to purge the patient. If, however, the body
has been open through the whole course of this dis-
ease, or if butter-milk and other things of an opening
nature have been drunk freely after the height of the
small-pox, purging becomes less necessary; but it
ought never wholly to be neglected.
For very young children, an infusion of senna and
prunes, with a little rhubarb, may be sweetened with
coarse sugar, and given in small quantities till it ope-
rates. Those who are further advanced must take
medicines of a sharper nature. For example, a
child of five or six years of age, may take eight or
ten grains of fine rhubarb in powder, over night, and
the same quantity of julap in powder next morning.
This may be wrought off with fresh broth or water-
gruel, and may be repeated three or four times, five
or six days intervening between each dose. For
179
E
66
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
!:
children further advanced, and adults, the dose must
be increased in proportion to the age and constitu-
tion.
When imposthumes happen after the small-pox,
which is not seldom the case, they must be brought
to suppuration as soon as possible, by means of
ripening poultices, and when they have been opened,
or have broken of their own accord, the patient must
be purged. The Peruvian bark and a milk diet will
likewise be useful in this case.
When a cough, a difficulty of breathing, or other
symptoms of a consumption, succeed to the small-
pox, the patient must be sent to a place where the
air is good, and put upon a course of asses' milk with
such exercise as he can bear. For further directions
in this case, see the article Consumptions.
OF THE MEASLES.
THE measles appeared in Europe about the same
time with the small-pox, and have a great affinity
to that disease. They both come from the same
quarter of the world, are both infectious, and sel-
dom attack the same person more than once. The
measles are most common in the spring season, and
generally disappear in summer. The disease it-
self, when properly managed, seldom proves fatal;
but its consequences are often very troublesome.
CAUSE. This disease, like the small-pox, pro-
ceeds from infection, and is more or less dangerous,
according to the constitution of the patient, the sea-
son of the year, the climate, &c.
SYMPTOMS. The measles, like other fevers, are
preceded by alternate fits of heat and cold, with sick-
ness and loss of appetite. The tongue is white, but
generally moist. There is a short cough, a heavi-
ness of the head and eyes, drowsiness, and a run-
ning at the nose. Sometimes, indeed, the cough
does not come before the eruption has appeared,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
67
There is an inflammation and heat in the eyes,
accompanied with a defluxion of fresh rheum,
and great acuteness of sensation, so that they can-
not bear the light without pain. The eye-lids fre-
quently swell so as to occasion blindness. The pa-
tient generally complains of his throat; and a vo-
miting or looseness often precedes the eruption.
The stools in children are commonly greenish; they
complain of an itching of the skin, and are remark-
ably peevish. Bleeding at the nose is common,
both before and in the progress of the disease.
About the fourth day, small spots resembling
flea-bites appear, first upon the face, then upon the
breast, and afterwards on the extremities; these
may be distinguished from the small-pox by their
scarcely rising above the skin. The fever, cough,
and difficulty of breathing, instead of being remov-
ed by the eruption, as in the small-pox, are rather
increased; but the vomiting generally ceases.
About the sixth or seventh day from the time of
sickening, the measles begin to turn pale on the
face, and afterwards upon the body, so that, by the
ninth day, they entirely disappear. The fever, how-
ever, and difficulty of breathing often continue, es-
pecially if the patient has been kept upon too hot a
regimen. Petechiæ, or purple spots, may likewise
be occasioned by this error.
violent looseness sometimes succeeds the mea-
sles; in which case the patient's life is in imminent
danger.
Such as die of the measles, generally expire about
the ninth day from the invasion, and are commonly
carried off by a peripneumony or inflammation of
the lungs.
The most favourable symptoms are a moderate
looseness, a moist skin, and a plentiful discharge of
urine.
When the eruption suddenly falls in, and the pa-
tient is seized with a delirium, he is in the greatest
C8
LUCIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
danger. If the measles turn too soon of a pale col-
our, it is an unfavourable symptom, as are also great
weakness, vomiting, restlessness, and difficulty of
swallowing. Purple or black spots appearing
among the measles are very unfavourable. When
a continual cough, with hoarseness, succeeds the
disease, there is reason to suspect an approaching
consumption of the lungs. Our business in this di-
sease is to assist nature, by proper cordials, in
throwing out the eruption, if her efforts are lan-
guid; but when they are too violent, they must be
restrained by evacuations and cool diluting liquors,
&c. We ought likewise to endeavour to appease
the most urgent symptoms, as the cough, restless-
ness, and difficulty of breathing.
REGIMEN.-The cool regimen is necessary here
as well as in the small-pox. The food, too, must be
light, and the drink diluting. Acids, however, do
not answer so well in the measles as in the small-
pox, as they tend to exasperate the cough. Small
beer likewise, though a good drink in the small-pox,
is here improper. The most suitable liquors are
decoctions of liquorice, with marsh-mallow roots,
and sarsaparilla, infusions of linseed, or of the flow-
ers of elder, balm-tea, clarified whey, barley-water,
and such like. These, if the patient be costive, may
be sweetened with honey; or, if that should disa-
gree with the stomach, a little manna may occasion-
ally be added to them.
MEDICINE. The measles being an inflammatory
disease, without any critical discharge of matter, as
in the small-pox, bleeding is commonly necessary,
especially when the fever runs high, with difficulty
of breathing, and great oppression of the breast.
But, if the disease be of a mild nature, bleeding
may be omitted.
Bathing the feet and legs frequently in lukewarm
water, both tends to abate the violence of the fever,
and to promote the eruption.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
69
The patient is often greatly relieved by vomiting.
When there is a tendency this way, it ought to be
promoted by drinking lukewarm water or weak ca-
momile-tea.
When the cough is very troublesome, with dry-
ness of the throat and difficulty of breathing, the
patient may hold his head over the steam of warm
water, and draw the steam into his lungs.
He may likewise lick a little spermaceti and su-
gar-candy pounded together; or take now and then
a spoonful of the oil of sweet almonds, with sugar-
candy dissolved in it. These will soften the throat,
and relieve the tickling cough.
If at the turn of the disease the fever assumes new
vigour, and there appears great danger of suffoca-
tion, the patient must be bled according to his
strength, and blistering-plasters applied, with a view
to prevent the load from being thrown on the lungs,
where, if an inflammation should fix itself, the pa-
tient's life will be in imminent danger.
In case the measles should suddenly disappear,
it will be necessary to pursue the same method
which we have recommended when the small-pox
recede. The patient must be supported with wine
and cordials. Blistering-plasters must be applied
to the legs and arms, and the body rubbed all over
with warm flannels. Warm poultices may likewise
be applied to the feet and palms of the hands.
When purple or black spots appear, the patient's
drink should be sharpened with spirits of vitriol;
and if the putrid symptoms increase, the Peruvian
bark must be administered in the same manner as
directed in the small-pox.
Opiates are sometimes necessary, but should ne-
ver be given except in cases of extreme restlessness,
a violent looseness, or when the cough is very trou-
blesome. For children the syrup of poppies is suf-
ficient. A teaspoonful or two may be occasionally
given, according to the patient's age, or the violence
of the symptoms.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
After the measles are gone off, the patient ought
to be purged. This may be conducted in the same
manner as directed in the small-pox.
If a violent looseness succeed the measles, it may
be checked by taking for some days a gentle dose of
rhubarb in the morning, and an opiate over night;
but if these do not remove it, bleeding will seldom
fail to have that effect.
OF THE SCARLET FEVER.
The scarlet fever is so called from the colour of
the patient's skin, which appears as if it were ting-
ed with red wine. It happens at any season of the
year, but is most common towards the end of sum-
mer; at which time it often seizes whole families:
children and young persons are most subject to it.
It begins, like other fevers, with coldness and shiv-
ering, without any violent sickness. Afterwards
the skin is covered with red spots, which are broad-
er, more florid, and less uniform, than the measles.
They continue two or three days, and then disap-
pear; after which the cuticle or scarf-skin falls
off.
There is seldom any occasion for medicine in this
disease. The patient ought, however, to keep with-
in doors, to abstain from flesh, strong liquors, and
cordials, and to drink freely of cool diluting liquors.
If the fever runs high, the body must be kept gent-
ly open by emollient clysters, or small doses of ni-
tre and rhubarb. A scruple of the former and five
grains of the latter may be taken thrice a-day, or
oftener if necessary.
Children and young persons are sometimes seiz-
ed, at the beginning of this disease, with a kind of
stupor and epileptic fits. In this case, the feet and
legs should be bathed in warm water, a large blis-
tering-plaster applied to the neck, and a dose of the
syrup of poppies given every night, till the patient
recovers.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
71
The scarlet fever, however, is not always of so mild
a nature. It is sometimes attended with putrid or
malignant symptoms, in which case it is always dan-
gerous. In the malignant scarlet fever, the patient
is not only affected with coldness and shivering, but
with languor, sickness, and great oppression; to
these succeed excessive heat, nausea, and vomiting,
with a soreness of the throat; the pulse is extreme-
ly quick, but small and depressed; the breathing
frequent and laborious; the skin hot, but not quite
dry; the tongue moist and covered with a whitish
mucus; the tonsils inflamed and ulcerated. When
the eruption appears it brings no relief; on the con-
trary, the symptoms generally grow worse, and fresh
ones come on, as purging, delirium, &c.
OF THE BILIOUS FEVER.
When a continual, remitting, or unremitting fe-
ver is accompanied with a frequent or copious eva-
cuation of bile, either by a vomit or stool, the fever
is denominated bilious. In Britain, the bilious fe-
ver generally makes its appearance about the end
of summer, and ceases towards the approach of
winter. It is most frequent and fatal in warm coun-
tries, especially where the soil is marshy, and when
great rains are succeeded by sultry heats. Persons
who work without doors, lie in camps, or who are
exposed to the night air, are most liable to this kind
of fever.
If there are symptoms of inflammation at the be-
ginning of this fever, it will be necessary to bleed,
and to put the patient upon the cool diluting regi-
men, recommended in the inflammatory fever. The
saline draught may likewise be frequently adminis-
tered, and the patient's body kept open by clysters
or mild purgatives. But if the fever should remit
or intermit, bleeding will seldom be necessary. ln
this case a vomit may be administered, and, if the
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
body be bound, a gentle purge, after which the Pe-
ruvian bark will generally complete the cure.
In case of a violent looseness, the patient must be
supported with chicken broths, jellies of heartshorn,
and the like; and he may use the white decoction for
his ordinary drink. If a bloody flux should accom-
pany this fever, it must be treated in the manner re-
commended under the article Dysentery.
When there is a burning heat, and the patient
does not sweat, that evacuation may be promoted
by giving him, three or four times a-day, a table-
spoonful of Mindererus's spirit, mixed in a cup of
his ordinary drink.
If the bilious fever be attended with the nervous,
malignant, or putrid symptoms, which is sometimes
the case, the patient must be treated in the same
manner as directed under these diseases.
After this fever, proper care is necessary to pre-
vent a relapse. For this purpose, the patient, espe-
cially towards the end of autumn, ought to continue
the use of the Peruvian bark for some time after he
is well. He should likewise abstain from all trashy
fruits, new liquors, and every kind of flatulent ali-
ment.
OF THE ERYSIPELAS, OR ST. AN-
THONY'S FIRE.
THIS disease, which in some parts of Britain is call-
ed the rose, attacks persons at any period of life,
but is most common between the age of thirty and
forty. Persons of a sanguine or plethoric habit are
most liable to it. It often attacks young people
and pregnant women; and such as have once been
afflicted with it, are very liable to have it again.
Sometimes it is a primary disease, and at other times
only a symptom of some other malady. Every
part of the body is liable to be attacked by an cry-
sipelas, but it most frequently seizes the legs or
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
73
face, especially the latter. It is most common in
autumn, or when hot weather is succeeded by cold
or wet.
CAUSES.-The erysipelas may be occasioned by
violent passions, or affections of the mind; as fear,
anger, &c.
When the body has been heated to a
great degree, and is immediately exposed to the cold
air, so that the perspiration is suddenly checked, an
erysipelas will often ensue. It may also be occa-
sioned by drinking to excess, by continuing too long
in a warm bath, or by any thing that overheats the
blood. If any of the natural evacuations be obstruct-
ed, or in too smali a quantity, it may cause an ery-
sipelas. The same effect will follow from the stop-
page of artificial evacuations; as issues, setons, or
the like.
SYMPTOMS.-The erysipelas attacks with a shiver-
ing. thirst, loss of strength, pain in the head and
back, heat, listlessness, and a quick pulse; to which
may be added, vomiting, and sometimes a delirium.
On the second, third, or fourth day, the part swells,
becomes red, and small pustules appear; at which
time the fever generally abates.
When the erysipelas seizes the foot, the parts con-
tiguous swell, the skin shines; and, if the pain be
violent, it will ascend to the leg, and will not bear
to be touched.
When it attacks the face, it swells, appears red,
and the skin is covered with small pustules filled
with clear water. One or both eyes are generally
closed with a swelling; and there is a difficulty of
breathing. If the mouth and nostrils be very dry,
and the patient drowsy, there is reason to suspect
an inflammation of the brain.
If the erysipelas affects the breast, it swells and
becomes exceedingly hard, with great pain, and is
apt to suppurate. There is a violent pain in the
armpit on the side affected, where an abscess is of
ten formed.
74
DUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
In a day or two the swelling subsides, the heat
and pain abate, the colour of the part turns yellow,
and the cuticle breaks and falls off in scales; the
danger is over.
When the erysipelas is large, deep, and affects a
very sensible part of the body, the danger is great.
If the red colour changes into a livid or black, it
will end in a mortification. Sometimes the inflam-
mation cannot be discussed, but comes to a suppur-
ation; in which case, fistulas, a gangrene, or morti-
fication, often ensue.
REGIMEN. The patient must neither be kept too
hot nor too cold, as either of these extremes will
tend to make it retreat, which is always to be guard-
ed against. When the disease is mild, it will be suf-
ficient to keep the patient within doors, without
confining him to his bed, and to promote the per-
spiration, by diluting liquors, &c.
The diet ought to be slender, and of a moderately
cooling and moistening quality, as groat-gruel, pa-
nado, chicken or barley-broth, with cooling herbs
and fruits, &c. avoiding flesh, fish, strong drink,
spices, pickles, and all other things that may heat
and inflame the blood; the drink may be barley-
water, and infusion of elder-flowers, common-whey,
and such like.
But if the pulse be low, and the spirits sunk, the
patient must be supported with negus, and other
things of a cordial nature. His food may be sago-
gruel, with a little wine, and nourishing broths, ta-
ken in small quantities, and often repeated. Great
care, however, must be taken not to overheat him.
MEDICINE. Do not use external application in
an erysipelas; the safer course is to apply nothing.
Almost all ointments, salves, and plasters, being of
a greasy nature, tend rather to obstruct and repel,
than promote any discharge from the part. At the
beginning of this disease, it is neither safe to pro-
mote a suppuration, nor to repel the matter too
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
75
quickly. The erysipelas, in many respects, resem-
bles the gout, and is to be treated with the greatest
caution. Fine wool, or very soft flannel, are the
safest applications to the part. These not only de-
fend it from external air, but likewise promote the
perspiration, which has a great tendency to carry
off the disease. In Scotland, the common people
generally apply a mealy cloth to the parts affected,
which is far from being improper.
Bathing the feet and legs frequently in lukewarm
water, when the disease attacks the face or brain,
has an excellent effect.
In cases where bleeding is requisite, it is likewise
necessary to keep the body open. This may be ef-
fected by emollient clysters, or small doses of nitre
and rhubarb. Some indeed recommend very large
doses of nitre in the erysipelas: but nitre seldom
sits easy on the stomach when taken in large doses.
It is, however, one of the best medicines when the
fever and inflammation run high. Half a drachm of
it, with four or five grains of rhubarb, may be taken
in the patient's ordinary drink, three or four times
a-day.
When the erysipelas leaves the extremities, and
seizes the head, so as to occasion a delirium or stu-
por, it is absolutely necessary to open the body. If
clysters and mild purgatives fail to have this ef-
fect, stronger ones must be given. Blistering-
plasters must likewise be applied to the neck, or
behind the ears, and sharp cataplasms laid to the
soles of the feet.
When the inflammation cannot be discussed, and
the part has a tendency to ulcerate, it will then be
proper to promote suppuration, which may be done
by the application of ripening poultices, with saf-
fron, warm fomentations, and such like.
When the black, livid, or blue colour of the part
shows a tendency to mortification, the Peruvian
bark must be administered. It may be taken along
with acids, as recommended in the small-pox.
76
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
In what is commonly called a scorbutic erysipelas,
which continues for a considerable time, it will on-
ly be necessary to give gentle laxatives, and such
things as purify the blood and promote the perspira-
tion. Thus, after the inflammation has been check-
ed, by opening medicines, the decoction of woods
may be drunk, after which a course of bitters will be
proper.
OF THE PHRENITIS, OR INFLAMMA-
TION OF THE BRAIN.
THIS is sometimes a primary disease, but oftener
only a symptom of some other malady, as the in-
flammatory, eruptive, or spotted fever, &c. It is
very common, however, as a primary disease, in
warm climates, and is most incident to persons about
the prime or vigour of life. The passionate, the
studious, and those whose nervous system is irrita-
ble in a high degree, are most liable to it.
CAUSES. This disease is often occasioned by
night watching, especially when joined with hard
study;
it may likewise proceed from hard drink-
ing, anger, grief, anxiety. It is often occasioned
by the stopping of usual evacuations; as the bleed-
ing piles in men, the customary discharges of wo-
men, &c. Such as imprudently expose themselves.
to the heat of the sun, especially by sleeping with-
out doors, in a hot season, with their heads unco-
vered, are often suddenly seized with an inflamma-
tion of the brain, so as to awake quite delirious.
When repellents are imprudently used in an ery-
sipelas, an inflammation of the brain is sometimes
the consequence. It may likewise be occasioned
by external injuries, as blows, or bruises upon the
head, &c.
SYMPTOMS.-The symptoms which usually pre-
cede a true inflammation of the brain, are pain of
the head, redness of the eyes, a violent flushing of
the face, disturbed sleep, or a total want of it, great
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
77
dryness of the skin, costiveness, retention of urine,
a small dropping of blood from the nose, singing
of the ears, and extreme sensibility of the nervous
system.
When the inflammation is formed, the symptoms
in general are similar to those of an inflammatory
fever. The pulse indeed is often weak, irregular, and
trembling; but sometimes it is hard and contract-
ed. When the brain itself is inflamed, the pulse is
always soft and low; but when the inflammation
only affects the integuments of the brain, viz. the
dura and pia mater, it is hard. A remarkable
quickness of hearing is a common symptom of this
disease; but that seldom continues long. Another
usual symptom is a great throbbing of pulsation in
the arteries of the neck and temples. Though the
tongue is often black and dry, yet the patient sel-
dom complains of thirst, and even refuses drink.
The mind chiefly runs upon such objects as have
before made a deep impression on it; and some-
times, from a sullen silence, the patient becomes all
of a sudden quite outrageous.
A constant trembling and starting of the tendons,
is an unfavourable symptom, as are also a suppres-
sion of the urine; a total want of sleep; a constant
spitting; a grinding of the teeth: which last may be
considered as a kind of convulsion. When a phre-
nitis succeeds an inflammation of the lungs, of the
intestines, or of the throat, &c. it is owing to a trans-
lation of the disease from these parts to the brain,
and generally proves fatal. This shows the neces-
sity of proper evacuations, and the danger of repel-
lents in all inflammatory diseases.
The favourable symptoms are, a free perspiration,
a copious discharge of blood from the nose, the
bleeding piles, a plentiful discharge of urine, which
lets fall a copious sediment. Sometimes the disease
is carried off by a looseness, and in women by an
excessive flow of the menses.
78
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
As this disease often proves fatal in a few days, it
requires the most speedy applications. When it is
prolonged, or improperly treated, it sometimes ends
in madness, or a kind of stupidity which continues
for life.
In the cure, two things are chiefly to be attended
to, viz. to lessen the quantity of blood in the brain,
and to retard the circulation towards the head.
REGIMEN. The patient ought to be kept very
quiet. Company, noise, and every thing that af
fects the senses, or disturbs the imagination, in-
creases the disease. Even too much light is hurt-
ful for which reason the patient's chamber ought
to be a little darkened, and he should neither be
kept too hot nor too cold. It is not, however, ne-
cessary to exclude the company of an agreeable
friend, as this has a tendency to soothe and quiet
the mind. Neither ought the patient to be kept too
much in the dark, lest it should occasion a gloomy
melancholy, which is too often the consequence of
this disease.
The patient must, as far as possible, be soothed
and humoured in every thing. Contradiction will
ruffle his mind, and increase his malady. Even
when he calls for things, which are not to be obtain-
ed, or which might prove hurtful, he is not to be
positively denied thein, but rather put off with the
promise of having them as soon as they can be pro-
cured, or by some other excuse. A little of any
'hing that the mind is set upon, though not quite
proper, will hurt the patient less than a positive
refusal.
The aliment ought to be light, consisting chiefly
of farinaceous substances; as panado, and water-
gruel, sharpened with jelly of currants, or juice of
lemons, ripe fruits roasted or boiled, jellies, pre-
serves, &c. The drink small, diluting, and cooling;
as whey, barley-waters, or decoctions of barley and
tamarinds, which latter not only render the liquor
LUCIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
79
more palatable, but likewise more beneficial, as they
are of an opening nature.
MEDICINE.-Nothing more certainly relieves the
patient than a free discharge of blood from the
nose. When this comes of its own accord, apply
cloths dipped in warm water to the part. When
bleeding at the nose does not happen spontaneous-
ly, it may be provoked by putting a straw, or any
other sharp body, up the nostril.
When the patient's pulse, and spirits are so low
that he cannot bear bleeding with the lancet, leeches
may be applied to the temples. These not only draw
off the blood more gradually, but, by being applied
near to the part affected, generally give more im-
mediate relief.
If the inflammation of the brain be occasioned
by the stoppage of evacuations, either natural or ar-
tificial, as the menses, issues, setons, or such like,
all means must be used to restore them as soon as
possible, or to substitute others in their stead.
The patient's body must be kept open by stimu-
lating clysters, or smart purges, and small quan-
tities of nitre ought frequently to be mixed with
his drink. Two or three drachms, or more if the case
be dangerous, may be used in the space of twenty-
four hours.
The head should be shaved, and frequently rub-
bed with vinegar and rose-water. Cloths dipped in
this mixture may likewise be applied to the tem-
ples. The feet ought frequently to be bathed in
lukewarm water, and soft poultices of bread and
milk may be kept constantly applied to them.
If the disease proves obstinate, and does not yield
to these medicines, it will be necessary to apply
a blistering plaster to the whole head.
OF THE OPHTHALMIA, OR INFLAMMA-
TION OF THE EYES.
This disease may be occasioned by external in-
juries; as blows, burns, bruises, and the like. It
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
80
may likewise proceed from dust, quick-lime, or
other substances, getting into the eyes. It is often
caused by the stoppage of customary evacuations:
as the healing of old sores, drying up of issues, the
suppression of gentle morning sweats, or of the
sweating of the feet, &c. Long exposure to the night
air, especially in cold northerly winds, or whatever
suddenly checks the perspiration, especially after
the body has been much heated, is very apt to cause
an inflammation of the eyes. Viewing snow or
other white bodies for a long time, or looking stead-
fastly at the sun, a clear fire, or any bright object,
will likewise occasion this malady. A sudden tran-
sition from darkness to a very bright light will often
have the same effect.
Nothing more certainly occasions an inflamma-
tion of the eyes than night-watching, especially
reading or writing by candle-light. Drinking spirit-
uous liquors, and excess of venery, are likewise
very hurtful to the eyes. The acrid fumes of me-
tals, and of several kinds of fuel, are also pernicious.
Sometimes an inflammation of the eyes proceeds
from a venereal taint, and often from a scrofulous
or gouty habit. It may likewise be occasioned by
hairs in the eye-lids turning inwards and hurting
the eyes.
Sometimes the disease is epidemic, es-
pecially after wet seasons; and I have frequently
known it prove infectious, particularly to those who
lived in the same house with the patient. It may
be occasioned by moist air, or living in low damp
houses, especially in persons who are not accustom-
ed to such situations. In children it often proceeds.
from imprudently drying up scabbed heads, a run-
ning behind the ears, or any other discharge of that
kind. Inflammations of the eyes often succeed the
small-pox, or measles, especially in children of
a scrofulous habit.
SYMPTOMS. An inflammation of the eyes is at-
tended with acute pain, heat, redness, and swelling.
DUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
81
The patient is not able to bear the light, and some-
times he feels a pricking pain, as if his eyes were
pierced with a thorn. Sometimes he imagines his
eyes are full of motes, or thinks he sees flies danc-
ing before him. The eyes are filled with scalding
rheum, which rushes forth in great quantities when-
ever the patient attempts to look up. The pulse is
generally quick and hard, with some degree of fever.
When the disease is violent, the neighbouring parts
swell, and there is a throbbing or pulsation in the
temporal arteries, &c.
A slight inflammation of the eyes, especially from
an external cause, is easily cured; but when the dis-
ease is violent, and continues long, it often leaves
specks upon the eyes, or dimness of sight, and some-
times total blindness.
If the patient be seized with a looseness, it has a
good effect; and when the inflammation passes from
one eye to another, as it were by infection, it is no
unfavourable symptom. But when the disease is
accompanied with a violent pain in the head, and
continues long, the patient is in danger of losing
his sight.
REGIMEN.-The diet, unless in scrofulous cases,
can hardly be too spare, especially at the beginning.
The patient must abstain from every thing of a
heating nature. His food should consist chiefly of
mild vegetables, weak broths and gruels. His drink
may be barley-water, balm-tea, common whey, and
such like.
The patient's chamber must be darkened, or his
eyes shaded with a cover, so as to exclude the light,
but not to press upon the eyes. He should not look
at a candle, the fire, or any luminous object; and
ought to avoid all smoke, as the fumes of tobacco,
or anything that may cause coughing, sneezing, or
vomiting. He should be kept quiet, avoiding all
violent efforts either of body or mind, and encourage
sleep as much as possible.
179
T
82
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
MEDICINE. This is one of those diseases wherein
great hurt is often done by external applications.
Almost every person pretends to be possessed of a
remedy for the cure of sore eyes. These remedies
generally consist of eye-waters and ointments, with
other external applications, which do mischief
twenty times for once they do good. People ought
therefore to be very cautious how they use such
things, as even the pressure upon the eyes often in-
creases the malady.
Leeches are often applied to the temples, or un-
der the eyes, with good effect. The wounds must
be suffered to bleed for some hours, and if the
bleeding stop soon, it may be promoted by the ap-
plication of cloths dipt in warm water. In obsti-
nate cases, it will be necessary to repeat this opera-
tion several times.
The patient may take a small dose of Glauber's
salts, and cream of tartar, every second or third day,
or a decoction of tamarinds with senna. If these be
not agreeable, gentle doses of rhubarb and nitre, a
little of the lenitive electuary, or any other mild
purgative, will answer the same end. The patient,
at the same time, must drink freely of water-gruel,
tea, whey, or any other weak diluting liquor. He
ought likewise to take at bed-time, a large draught
of very weak wine-whey, in order to promote per-
spiration. His feet and legs must frequently be
bathed in lukewarm water, and his head shaved
twice or thrice a-week, and afterwards washed in
cold water. This has often a remarkably good ef-
fect.
If the inflammation does not yield to these eva-
cuations, blistering-plasters must be applied to the
temples, behind the ears, or upon the neck, and kept
open for some time by the mild blistering ointment.
I have seldom known these, if long enough kept
open, fail to remove the most obstinate inflamma-
tion of the eyes: but for this purpose it is often
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
$3
necessary to continue the discharge for several
weeks.
When the heat and pain of the eyes are very great,
a poultice of bread and milk, softened with sweet
oil, or fresh butter, may be applied to them, at least
all night and they may be bathed with lukewarm
milk and water in the morning.
If the patient cannot sleep, which is sometimes
the case, he may take twenty or thirty drops of
laudanum, or two spoonsful of syrup of poppies,
over night, more or less according to his age, or the
violence of the symptoms.
After the inflammation is gone off, if the eyes still
remain weak and tender, they may be bathed every
night and morning with cold water and a little bran-
dy, six parts of the former to one of the latter. A
method should be contrived by which the eye can
be quite immersed in the brandy and water, where
it should be kept for some time.
When an inflammation of the eye proceeds from
a scrofulous habit, it generally proves very obsti-
nate. In this case the patient's diet must not be
too low, and he may be allowed to drink small ne-
gus, or now and then a glass of wine. The most
proper medicine is Peruvian bark, which may ei-
ther be given in substance, or prepared in the fol-
lowing manner.
Ta ke an ounce of the bark in powder, with two
drachms of Winter's bark, and boil them in an
English quart of water to a pint; when it has
boiled nearly long enough, add half an ounce of
liquorice root sliced. Let the liquor be strained.
Two, three, or four table-spoonsful, according to the
age of the patient, may be taken three or four times
a-day. It is impossible to say how long this medi-
cine should be continued, as the cure is sooner per-
formed in some than in others; but, in general, it
requires a considerable time to produce any lasting
eflects.
81
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
OF THE QUINSEY, OR INFLAMMATION
OF THE THROAT.
THIS disease is very common in Britain, and is
frequently attended with great danger. It prevails
in the winter and spring, and is most fatal to young
people of a sanguine temperament.
CAUSES.-In general it proceeds from the same
causes as other inflammatory disorders, viz. an ob-
structed perspiration, or whatever heats or inflames
the blood, An inflammation of the throat is often
occasioned by omitting some part of the covering
usually worn about the neck, by drinking cold liquor
when the body is warm, by riding or walking against
a cold northerly wind, or any thing that greatly cools
the throat, and parts adjacent. It may likewise pro-
ceed from the neglect of bleeding, purging, or any
customary evacuation.
Singing, speaking loud and long, or whatever
strains the throat, may likewise cause an inflamma-
tion of that organ. I have often known the quinsey
prove fatal to jovial companions, who, after sitting
long in a warm room drinking hot liquors, and sing-
ing with vehemence, were so imprudent as to go
abroad in the cold night air. Sitting with wet feet,
or keeping on wet clothes, are very apt to occasion
this malady. It is likewise frequently occasioned
by continuing long in a moist place, sitting near an
open window, sleeping in a damp bed, sitting in a
room that has been newly plastered, &c. I
know people who never fail to have a sore throat
if they sit even but a short time in a room that has
been lately washed.
Acrid or irritating food may likewise inflame the
throat, and occasion a quinsey. It may also proceed
from bones, pins, or other sharp substances, sticking
in the throat, or from the caustic fumes of metals, or
minerals, as arsenic, antimony, &c. taken in by the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
85
00
10
:breath. This disease is sometimes epidemical and
infectious.
SYMPTOMS.-The inflammation of the throat is
evident from inspection, the parts appearing red and
swelled; besides, the patient complains of pain in
swallowing. His pulse, quick and hard, with other
symptoms of a fever. If blood be let, it is generally
covered with a tough coat, of a whitish colour, and
the patient spits a tough phlegm. As the swelling
and inflammation increase, the breathing and swal-
lowing become more difficult; the pain affects the
ears; the eyes generally appear red; and the face
swells. The patient is often obliged to keep himself
in an erect posture, being in danger of suffocation;
there is a constant nausea, or inclination to
vomit; and the drink, instead of passing into the
stomach, is often returned by the nose. The patient
is sometimes starved at last, inerely from an inability
to swallow any kind of food.
When the breathing is laborious, with straitness of
the breast, and anxiety, the danger is great. Though
the pain in swallowing be very great, yet while the
patient breathes easy, there is not so much danger.
An external swelling is no unfavourable symptom;
but if it suddenly falls, and the disease affects the
breast, the danger is very great. When a quinsey is
the consequence of some other disease, which has
already weakened the patient, his situation is dan-
gerous. A frothing at the mouth, with a swelled
tongue, a pale, ghastly countenance, and coldness
of the extremities, are fatal symptoms.
REGIMEN.-The regimen in this disease is in all
respects the same as in the pleurisy, or peripneumony.
The food must be light, and in small quantity, and
the drink plentiful, weak, and diluting, mixed with
acids.
It is highly necessary that the patient be kept
easy and quiet. Violent affections of the mind, or
great efforts of the body, may prove fatal. He should
SO
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
not even attempt to speak but in a low voice. Such
a degree of warmth as to promote a constant, gentle
sweat, is proper. When the patient is in bed, his
head ought to be raised a little higher than usual.
Gargles for the throat are very beneficial. They
may be made of sage-tea, with a little vinegar and
honey, or by adding to half an English pint of the
pectoral decoction, two or three spoonfuls of honey,
and the same quantity of currant-jelly. This may
be used three or four times a-day; and if the patient
be troubled with tough viscid phlegm, the gargle
may be rendered more sharp and cleansing, by add-
ing to it the spirit of sal ammoniac.
<
MEDICINE. An inflammation of the throat being
a most acute and dangerous distemper, which some-
times takes off the patient very suddenly, it will be
proper, as soon as the symptoms appear, to bleed in
the arm, or rather in the jugular vein, and to repeat
the operation if circumstances require.
The body should be kept gently open, by giving
the patient, for his ordinary drink, a decoction of
figs and tamarinds, or small doses of rhubarb and
nitre.
I have often known very good effects from a bit
of sal prunel, or purified nitre, held in the mouth, and
swallowed down as it melted.
The throat ought likewise to be rubbed twice or
thrice a-day with a little of the volatile liniment.
This seldom fails to produce some good effects. At
the same time the neck ought to be carefully covered
with wool or flannel, to prevent the cold from pene-
trating the skin, as this application renders it very
tender.
Some recommend the gum-guaiacum as a specific
in this disease. Half a drachm of the gum, in pow-
der, may be made into an electuary with the rob of
elderberries, or the jelly of currants, for a dose,
and repeated occasionally.
Blistering upon the neck, or behind the ears, in
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
87
:
violent inflammations of the throat, is very bene-
ficial; and in bad cases, it will be necessary to lay a
blistering-plaster quite across the throat, so as to
reach from ear to ear. After the plasters are taken
off, the parts ought to be kept discharging, by the
application of issue ointment, till the inflammation
is gone; otherwise upon their drying up, the patient
will be in danger of a relapse.
When the patient has been treated as above, a sup-
puration seldom happens. This, however, is some-
times the case, in spite of all endeavours to prevent
it. When the inflammation and swelling continue,
and it is evident that a suppuration will ensue, it
ought to be promoted by drawing the steam of warm
water into the throat through a funnel, or the like.
Soft poultices ought likewise to be applied out-
wardly, and the patient may keep a roasted fig
constantly in his mouth.
It sometimes happens, before the tumour breaks,
that the swelling is so great, as entirely to prevent
anything from getting down into the stomach. In
this case the patient must inevitably perish, unless
he can be supported in some other way. This can
only be done by nourishing clysters of broth, or
gruel, with milk, &c. Patients have often been sup-
ported by these for several days, till the tumour has
broken; and afterwards they have recovered.
When a difficulty of swallowing is not attended
with an acute pain or inflammation, it is generally
owing to an obstruction of the glands about the
throat, and only requires that the part be kept warm,
and the throat frequently gargled with something
that may gently stimulate the glands, as a decoction
of figs, with vinegar and honey; to which may be
added a little mustard, or a small quantity of spirits.
But this gargle is never to be used where there are
signs of an inflammation.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
•
OF THE MALIGNANT QUINSEY, OR PU-
TRID ULCEROUS SORE THROAT.
This kind of quinsey is but little known in the
northern parts of Britain, though for some time past
it has been fatal in the more southern counties.
Children are more liable to it than adults; females,
than males, and the delicate than those who are
hardy and robust. It prevails chiefly in autumn,
and is most frequent, after a long course of damp,
sultry weather.
CAUSES. This is evidently a contagious distem-
per, and is generally communicated by infection.
Whole families, and even entire villages, often re-
ceive the infection from one person. This ought to
put people upon their guard against going near such
patients as labour under the disorder; as by that
means they endanger, not only their own lives, but
likewise those of their friends and connexions.
Whatever tends to produce putrid or malignant
fevers, may likewise occasion the putrid ulcerous
sore throat, as unwholesome air, damaged provisions,
neglect of cleanliness, &c.
SYMPTOMS.-It begins with alternate fits of shiver-
ing and heat. The pulse is quick, but low and un-
equal, and generally continues so through the whole
course of the disease. The patient complains greatly
of weakness and oppression of the breast; his spirits
are low, and he is apt to faint away when set upright;
he is troubled with a nausea, and often with a vomit-
ing or purging. The two latter are most common
in children. The eyes appear red and watery, and
the face swells. The urine is at first pale and crude
but, as the disease advances, it turns more of a yel-
lowish colour. The tongue is white, and generally
moist, which distinguishes this from an inflammatory
disease. Upon looking into the throat, it appears
swelled, and of a florid red colour. Pale or ash
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
89
coloured spots, however, are here and there inter-
spersed, and sometimes one broad patch or spot, of
an irregular figure, and pale white colour, surround-
ed with florid red, only appears. These whitish spots
or sloughs cover so many ulcers.
An efflorescence, or eruption upon the neck, arms,
breast, and fingers, about the second or third day, is
a common symptom of this disease. When it ap-
pears, the purging and vomiting generally cease.
There is often a slight degree of delirium, and the
face frequently appears bloated, and the inside of the
nostrils red and inflamed. The patient complains
of a disagreeable putrid smell, and his breath is very
offensive.
The putrid ulcerous sore throat may be distin-
guished from the inflammatory, by the vomiting and
looseness with which it is generally ushered in; the
foul ulcers in the throat covered with a white or livid
coat; and by the excessive weakness of the patient;
with other symptoms of a putrid fever.
Unfavourable symptoms are, an obstinate purging,
extreme weakness, dimness of the sight, a livid or
black colour of the spots, and frequent shiverings,
with a weak, fluttering pulse. If the eruption upon
the skin suddenly disappears, or becomes of a livid
colour. with a discharge of blood from the nose or
mouth, the danger is very great.
Ifa gentle sweat break out about the third or fourth
day, and continue with a slow, firm, and equal pulse;
if the sloughs cast off in a kindly manner, and ap-
pear clean and florid at the bottom: and if the
breathing is soft and free, with a lively colour of the
eyes, there is reason to hope for a salutary crisis.
REGIMEN. The patient must be kept quiet, and
for the most part in bed, as he will be apt to faint
when taken out of it. His food must be nourishing
and restorative; as sago-gruel with red wine, jellies,
strong broths, &c. His drink ought to be generous,
and of an antiseptic quality; as red wine nogus,
white wine whey, and such like.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
<
MEDICINE. The medicine in this kind of quinsey
is entirely different from that which is proper in the
inflammatory. All evacuations, bleeding, purging,
&c. which weaken the patient, must be avoided.
Cooling medicines, as nitre and cream of tartar, are
likewise hurtful. Strengthening cordials alone can
be used with safety; and these ought never to be
neglected.
If at the beginning there is a great nausea, or in-
elination to vomit, the patient must drink an infusion
of green tea, camomile flowers, or carduus benedicius,
in order to cleanse the stomach. If these are not
sufficient, he may take a few grains of the powder
of ipecacuanha, or any other gentle vomit.
If the disease be mild, the throat may be gargled
with an infusion of sage and rose leaves, to a gill of
which may be added a spoonful or two of honey, and
as much vinegar as will make it agreeably acid; but
when the symptoms are urgent, the sloughs large
and thick, and the breath very offensive, the follow-
ing gargle may be used:-
To six or seven ounces of the pectoral decoction,
when boiling, add half an ounce of contrayerva-root;
let it boil for some time, and afterwards strain the
liquor; to which add two ounces of white-wine vin-
egar, an ounce of fine honey, and an ounce of the
tincture of myrrh. This ought not only to be used
as a gargle, but a little of it should frequently be
injected with a syringe, to clean the throat before
the patient takes any meat or drink. This method.
is peculiarly necessary for children, who cannot use
a gargle.
It will be of great benefit if the patient frequently
receives into his mouth, through an inverted funnel,
the steam of warm vinegar, myrrh, and honey.
But when the putrid symptoms run high, and the
disease is attended with danger, the only medicine
that can be depended upon is the Peruvian bark.
It may be taken in the substance, if the patient's
stomach will bear it. If not, an ounce of bark grossly
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
91
powdered, with two drachms of Virginian snake-root,
may be boiled with an English pint and a half of
water to a half pint; to which a tea-spoonful of the
elixir of vitriol may be added, and an ordinary tea-
cupful of it taken every three or four hours. Blis-
tering-plasters are very beneficial in this disease,
especially when the patient's pulse and spirits are
low. They may be applied to the throat, behind the
ears, or upon the back part of the neck.
Should the vomiting prove troublesome, it will be
proper to give the patient two table-spoonsful of the
saline julap, every hour. Tea made of mint and a
little cinnamon, will be very proper for his ordinary
drink, especially if an equal quantity of red wine be
mixed with it.
In case of a violent looseness, the size of a nut-
meg of diascordium, or the japonic confection, may
be taken two or three times a-day, or oftener, if ne-
cessary. If a discharge of blood from the nose hap-
pens, the steam of warm vinegar may be received
up the nostrils frequently; and the drink must be
sharpened with spirits of vitriol, or tincture of roses.
In case of a strangury, the belly must be fo-
mented with warm water, and emollient clysters
given three or four times a-day.
After the violence of the disease is over, the body
should still be kept open with mild purgatives; as
manna, senna, rhubarb, or the like.
If great weakness and dejection of spirits, or night-
sweats, with other symptoms of a consumption,
should ensue, we would advise the patient to con-
tinue the use of the Peruvian bark, with the elixir of
vitriol, and to take frequently a glass of generous
wine. These, together with a nourishing diet, and
riding on horse-back, are the most likely means for
recovering his strength.
The quinsey is generally caught by exposing the
throat to a current of cold air from an open window
in a room, or still more in a carriage, especially in
cold damp weather, or in the night.
92
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICÍNE.
OF COLDS AND COUGHS
No age, sex, or constitution, is exempted from this
disease; neither is it in the power of any medicine
or regimen to prevent it. The inhabitants of every
climate are liable to catch cold, nor can even the
greatest circumspection defend them at all times
from its attacks. Indeed, if the human body could
be kept constantly in an uniform degree of warmth,
such a thing as catching cold would be impossi-
ble; but as that cannot be effected by any means,
the perspiration must be liable to many changes.
Such changes, however, when small, do not af-
fect the health; but, when great, they must prove
hurtful.
When oppression of the breast, a stuffing of the
nose, unusual weariness, pain of the head, &c, give
ground to believe that the perspiration is obstruct-
ed, or in other words, that the person has caught cold,
he ought immediately to lessen his diet, at least the
usual quantity of his solid food, and to abstain from
all strong liquors, Instead of flesh, fish, eggs, milk
and other nourishing diet, he may eat lightbread-
pudding, veal, or chicken-broth, panado, gruels, and
such like. His drink may be water-gruel sweeten-
ed with a little honey; an infusion of balm, or lin-
seed, sharpened with the juice of bitter orange or
lemon; a decoction of barley and liquorice, with
tamarinds, or any other cool, diluting, acid liquor.
Above all, his supper should be light; as small
posset, or water-gruel, sweetened with honey, and
à little toasted bread in it. If honey should dis-
agree with the stomach, the gruel may be sweet-
ened with treacle or coarse sugar, and sharpened
with the jelly of currants. Those who have been
accustomed to generous liquors may take wine-
whey instead of gruel, which may be sweetened as
above.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
93
The patient ought to lie longer than usual in bed,
and to encourage a gentle sweat, which is easily
brought on towards morning by drinking tea, or any
kind of diluting liquor.
Many attempt to cure a cold by getting drunk ;
but this, to say no worse of it, is a very hazardous
experiment. No doubt it may sometimes suc-
ceed, by suddenly restoring the perspiration; but
when there is any degree of inflammation, which is
frequently the case, strong liquors, instead of re-
moving the malady, will increase it. By this means
a common cold may be converted into an inflamma-
tory fever.
But
Bathing the feet and legs in warm water has a
great tendency to restore the perspiration.
care must be taken that the water be not too warm,
otherwise it will do hurt. It should never be much
warmer than the blood, and the patient should go
immediately to bed after using it. Bathing the
feet in warm water, lying in bed, and drinking warm
water-gruel, or other weak liquors, will sooner take
off a spasm, and restore perspiration, than all the
hot sudorific medicines in the world. This is all
that is necessary for removing a common cold; and
if this course be taken at the beginning, it will sel-
dom fail.
But when the symptoms do not yield to absti-
nence, warmth, and diluting liquors, there is reason
to fear the approach of some other disease, as an in-
flammation of the breast, an ardent fever, or the
like. If the pulse, therefore, be hard and frequent,
the skin hot and dry, and the patient complains of
his head, or breast, it will be necessary to bleed, and
to give the cooling powders recommended in the
scarlet fever, every three or four hours, till they
give a stool.
It will likewise be proper to put a blistering-
plaster on the back, to give two table-spoonsful of
the saline mixture every two hours, and in short to
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94
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
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treat the patient in all respects as for a slight fe-
ver. I have often seen this course, when observed
at the beginning, remove the complaint in two or
three days, when the patient had all the symptoms
of an approaching ardent fever, or an inflammation
of the breast.
The chief secret of preventing colds, lies in avoid-
ing, as far as possible, all extremes, either of heat
or cold, and in taking care, when the body is heat-
ed, to let it cool gradually. These and other cir-
cumstances relating to this important subject are so
fully treated of under the article Obstructed Perspira-
tion, that it is needless here to resume the consi-
deration of them.
OF A COMMON COUGH.
A cough is generally the effect of a cold, which has
either been improperly treated, or entirely neglect-
ed. When it proves obstinate, there is always rea-
son to fear the consequences, as this shows the weak
state of the lungs, and is often the forerunner of
consumption.
If the cough be violent, and the patient young
and strong, with a hard quick pulse, bleeding will
be proper but in weak and relaxed habits, bleeding
rather prolongs the disease. When the patient spits
freely, bleeding is unnecessary, and sometimes hurt-
ful, as it tends to lessen that discharge.
When the cough is not attended with any degree
of fever, and the spittle is viscid and tough, sharp
pectoral medicines are to be administered: as gum-
ammoniac, squills, &c. Two table-spoonsful of
the solution of gum-ammoniac may be taken three
or four times a-day, more or less, according to the
age and constitution of the patient. Squills may
be given various ways, two ounces of the vinegar,
the oxymel, or the syrup, may be mixed with the
saine quantity of simple cinnamon water, to which
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
95
may be added an ounce of balsamic syrup. Two
table-spoonsful of this mixture may be taken three
or four times a day.
A syrup made of equal parts of lemon juice, ho-
ney, and sugar-candy, is likewise very proper in
this kind of cough. A table-spoonful of it may be
taken at pleasure.
When a cough is occasioned by acrid humours
tickling the throat and fauces, the patient should
keep some soft pectoral lozenges almost constantly
in his mouth as the Pontefract liquorice-cakes,
barley-sugar, the common balsamic lozenges, Span-
ish juice, &c. These blunt the acrimony of the hu-
mours, and, by taking off their stimulating quality,
help to appease the cough.
About the bulk of a nutmeg of Burgundy pitch
may be spread thin upon a piece of soft leather,
about the size of the hand, and laid between the
shoulder-blades. It may be taken off and wiped
every three or four days, and ought to be renewed
once a fortnight or three weeks. This is indeed a
cheap and simple medicine, and consequently apt
to be despised; but we will venture to affirm, that
the whole materia medica does not afford an appli-
cation more efficacious in almost every kind of
cough.
But coughs proceed from many other causes be-
sides defluxions upon the lungs. In these cases the
cure is not to be attempted by pectoral medicines.
Thus in a cough, proceeding from a foulness and
debility of the stomach, syrups, oils, mucilages, and
all kinds of balsamic medicines do hurt. The sto-
mach cough may be known from one that is owing
to a fault in the lungs, by this, that in the latter, the
patient coughs whenever he inspires, or draws in
his breath fully; but in the former that does not
happen.
The cure of this cough depends chiefly upon
cleansing and strengthening the stomach; for which
96
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
purpose gentle vomits and bitter purgatives ate most
proper. Thus, after a vomit or two, the sacred tinc-
ture, as it is called, may be taken for a considerable.
time, in the dose of one or two table-spoonsful twice
a-day, or as often as it is found necessary, to keep
the body gently open. People may make this tine-
ture themselves, by infusing an ounce of hiera picra
in an English pint of white wine, letting it stand a
few days, and then straining it off for use.
In coughs which proceed from a debility of the
stomach, the Peruvian bark is of considerable
service. It may either be chewed, taken in
powder, or made into a tincture along with other
stomachic bitters.
OF THE HOOPING-COUGII, OR CHIN-
COUGH.
This cough seldom affects adults, but proves often
fatal to children. Such children as live upon thin
watery diet, who breathe unwholesome air, and have
too little exercise, are most liable to this disease, and
generally suffer most from it.
The chin-cough is so well known even to nurses,
that a description of it is unnecessary. Whatever
hurts the digestion, obstructs the perspiration, or re-
laxes the solids, disposes to this disease; consequent-
ly its cure must depend upon cleansing and strength-
ening the stomach, bracing the solids, and at the
same time promoting perspiration and the different
secretions.
The diet must be light, and of easy digestion; for
children, good bread made into pap or pudding,
chicken-broth, with other light spoon-meats, are
proper; but those who are farther advanced may be
allowed sago-gruel, and if the fever be not high, a
little boiled chicken, or other white meats. The
drink may be hyssop, or penny-royal tea sweetened
with honey or sugar-candy, small wine whey, or, if
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
97
the patient be weak, he may sometimes be allowed
a little negus.
One of the most effectual remedies in the chin-
cough is change of air. This often removes the
malady, even when the change seems to be from a
purer to a less wholesome air. This may in some mea-
sure depend on the patient's being removed from the
place where the infection prevails. Most of the dis-
eases of children are infectious; nor is it at all un-
common to find the chin-cough prevailing in one
town or village, when another at a very small dis-
tance is quite free from it. But whatever be the
cause, we are sure of the fact. No time ought there-
fore to be lost in removing the patient to some dis-
tance from the place where he caught the disease,
and, if possible, into a more pure and warm air.
When the disease proves violent, and the patient
is in danger of being suffocated by the cough, he
ought to be bled, especially if there be a fever, with
a hard full pulse. But the chief intention of bleed-
ing is to prevent an inflammation of the lungs, and
to render it more safe to give vomits, it will seldom
be necessary to repeat the operation; yet if there
are any symptoms of an inflammation of the lungs,
a second or even a third bleeding may be requisite.
It is generally reckoned a favourable symptom
when a fit of coughing makes the patient vomit.
This cleanses the stomach, and greatly relieves the
cough. It will therefore be proper to promote this
discharge, either by small doses of ipecacuanha, or
the vomiting julap recommended in the Appendix,
It is very difficult to make children drink after a
vomit. I have often seen them happily deceived,
by infusing a scruple or half a drachm of the powder
of ipecacuanha in a teapot, with half an English pint
of boiling water. If this be disguised with a`few
drops of milk and a little sugar, they will imagine it
tea, and drink very greedily. A small teacupful of
this may be given every ten minutes, till it operates.
179
G
93
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
When the child begins to puke, there will be no oc-
casion for drinking any more, as the water already
on the stomach will be sufficient.
Vomits not only cleanse the stomach, which in
this disease is generally loaded with viscid phlegm,
but they likewise promote the perspiration and other
secretions, and ought therefore to be repeated ac-
cording to the obstinacy of the disease. They
should not however be strong; gentle vomits fre-
quently repeated are both less dangerous and more
beneficial than strong ones.
The body ought to be kept gently open. The
best medicines, for this purpose are rhubarb and its
preparations, as the syrup, tincture, &c. Of these
a tea-spoonful or two may be given to an infant twice
or thrice a-day, as there is occasion. To such as are
further advanced, the dose must be proportionably
increased, and repeated till it has the desired effect.
Those who cannot be brought to take the bitter tinc-
ture, may have an infusion of senna and prunes,
sweetened with manna, coarse sugar, or honey, or a
few grains of rhubarb mixed with a tea-spoonful or
two of syrup, or currant-jelly, so as to disguise the
taste. Most children are fond of syrups and jellies,
and seldom refuse even a disagreeable medicine
when mixed with them.
Many people believe that oily, pectoral, and bal-
samic medicines possess wonderful virtues for the
cure of the chin-cough, and accordingly exhibit them
plentifully to patients of every age and constitution,
without considering that every thing of this nature
must load the stomach, hurt the digestion, and of
course aggravate the disorder.
Opiates are sometimes necessary to allay the vio-
lence of the cough. For this purpose a little of the
syrup of poppies, or five, six, or seven drops of
laudanum, according to the age of the patient, may
be taken in a cup of hyssop or penny-royal tea, and
repeated occasionally.
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
99
The feet should be bathed once every two or three
days in lukewarm water; and a Burgundy-pitch
plaster kept constantly between the shoulders. But
when the disease proves very violent, it will be ne-
cessary, instead of it, to apply a blistering-plaster,
and to keep the part open for some time with issue
ointment.
INFLAMMATION
OF THE STOMACH
AND OTHER VISCERA.
ALL inflammations of the bowels are dangerous, and
require the most speedy assistance; as they fre-
quently end in a suppuration, and sometimes in a
mortification, which is certain death.
CAUSES. An inflammation of the stomach may
proceed from any of the causes which produce an
inflammatory fever; as cold liquor drunk while
the body is warm, obstructed perspiration, or the
sudden striking in of any eruption. It may likewise
proceed from the acrimony of the bile, or from acrid
and stimulating substances taken into the stomach;
as strong vomits or purges, corrosive poisons, and
such like. When the gout has been repelled from
the extremities, either by cold or improper appli-
cations, it often occasions an inflammation of the
stomach. Hard or indigestible substances taken
into the stomach, as bones, the stones of fruits,
&c., may likewise have that effect.
-
SYMPTOMS. It is attended with a fixed pain and
burning heat in the stomach: great restlessness and
anxiety; a small, quick, and hard pulse; vomiting,
or at least a nausea, and sickness; excessive thirst;
coldness of the extremities; difficulty of breathing;
cold clammy sweats; and sometimes convulsions.
and fainting fits. The stomach is swelled, and often
feels hard to the touch. One of the most certain
signs of this disease is the sense of pain which the
patient feels upon taking any kind of food, or drink,
especially if it be either too hot or too cold.
100
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
When the patient vomits everything he eats or
drinks, is extremely restless, has a biccup, with an
intermitting pulse, and frequent fainting fits, the
danger is very great.
REGIMEN. All acrimonious, heating, aud irritat-
ing food and drink are carefully to be avoided. The
weakness of the patient may deceive the by-standers,
and induce them to give him wines, spirits, or other
cordials; but these never fail to increase the disease,
and often occasion sudden death. The inclination
to vomit may likewise impose on the attendants,
and make them think a vomit necessary; but that
too is almost certain death.
The food must be light, thin, cool, and easy of
digestion. It may be given in small quantities, and
should neither be quite cold, nor too hot. Thin gruel
made of barley or oat-meal, light toasted bread dis-
solved in boiling water, or very weak chicken-broth,
are the most proper. The drink should be clear
whey, barley-water, water in which toasted bread
has been boiled, or decoctious of emollient vegeta-
bles, as liquorice, and marshmallow roots, sarsa-
parilla, or the like.
MEDICINE. Frequent fomentations with luke-
warm water, or a decoction of emollient vegetables,
are likewise beneficial. Flannel cloths dipped in
these must be applied to the region of the stomach,
and removed as they grow cool. They must neither
be applied too warm, nor be suffered to continue
till they become quite cold, as either of these ex-
tremes would aggravate the disease.
The feet and legs ought likewise to be frequently
bathed in lukewarm water, and warm bricks or
poultices may be applied to the soles of the feet.
The warm bath, if it can be conveniently used, will
be of great service.
In this, and all other inflammations of the bowels,
an epispastic or blistering-plaster applied over the
part aflected, is one of the best remedies I know. I
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
101
have often used it, and do not recollect one instance
wherein it did not give relief to the patient.
The only internal medicines which we shall ven-
ture to recommend in this disease, are mild clysters.
These may be made of warm water, or thin water-
gruel; and if the patient be costive, a little sweet
oil, honey, or manna, may be added. Clysters an-
swer the purpose of an internal fomentation, while
they keep the body open, and at the same time
nourish the patient, who is often in this disease un-
able to retain any food upon his stomach. For these
reasons they must not be neglected, as the patient's
life may depend on them.
INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.
This is one of the most painful and dangerous dis-
eases to which mankind are liable. It generally
proceeds from the same causes as the inflammation
of the stomach; to which may be added costiveness,
worms, eating unripe fruits, or great quantities of
nuts, drinking hard windy malt liquors, as stale
bottled beer or ale, sour wine, cider, &c.
It may
likewise be occasioned by a rupture, by schirrous
tumours of the intestines, or by their opposite sides
growing together.
The symptoms here are nearly the same as in the
foregoing disease; only the pain, if possible, is more
acute, and is situated lower. The vomiting is like-
wise more violent, and sometimes even the excre-
ments, together with the clysters, are discharged
by the mouth. The patient is continually belch-
ing up wind, and has often an obstruction of his
urine.
REGIMEN. The regimen in this disease is in ge-
neral the same as in an inflammation of the stomach.
The patient must be kept quiet, avoiding cold, and
all violent passions of the mind. His food ought to
be very light, and given in small quantities; his
drink weak and diluting; as clear whey, barley-wa-
ter, and such like.
102
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
MEDICINE.-Bleeding in this, as well as in the in-
flammation of the stomach, is of the greatest import-
ance. It should be performed as soon as the symp-
toms appear, and must be repeated according to the
strength of the patient, and the violence of the dis-
ease.
A blistering-plaster is here likewise to be applied
immediately over the part where the most violent
pain is.
This not only relieves the pain of the bowels, but
even clysters, and purgative medicines, which be-
fore had no effect, will operate when the blister be-
gins to rise.
Fomentations and laxative clysters are by no
means to be omitted. The patient's feet and legs
should be frequently bathed in warm water; and cloths
dipped in it applied to his belly. Bladders filled
with warm water may likewise be applied to the re-
gion of the navel, and warm bricks, or bottles filled
with warm water, to the soles of the feet. The clys-
ters may be made of barley-water, or thin gruel with
salt, and softened with sweet oil or fresh butter.
These may be administered every two or three hours,
or oftener, if the patient continues costive.
If the disease does not yield to clysters and fo-
mentations, recourse must be had to pretty strong
purgatives; but as these, by irritating the bowels,
often increase their contraction, and by that means
frustrate their own intention, it will be necessary
to join them with opiates, which, by allaying the
pain, and relaxing the spasmodic contractions of
the guts, greatly assist the operation of purgatives
in this case.
What answers the purpose of opening the body
very well is a solution of the bitter purging salts.
Two ounces of these may be dissolved in an English
pint of warm water or thin gruel, and a tea-cupful
of it taken every half hour till it operates. At the
same time, fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five drops of
laudanum may be given in a glass of peppermint or
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
103
simple cinnamon-water, to appease the irritation,
and prevent the vomiting, &c.
Acids have often a very happy effect in staying
the vomiting, and appeasing the other violent symp-
toms of this disease. It will therefore be of use to
sharpen the patient's drink with cream of tartar,
juice of lemon, or, when these cannot be obtained,
with vinegar.
But it often happens that no liquid whatever will
stay on the stomach. In this case the patient must
take purging pills. I have generally found the fol-
lowing answer very well: Take julap in powder,
and vitriolated tartar, of each half a drachm, opium
one grain, Castile soap, as much as will make the
mass fit for pills. These must be taken at one dose,
and if they do not operate in a few hours, the dose
may be repeated.
If a stool cannot be procured by any of the above
means, it will be necessary to immerse the patient
in warm water, up to the breast. I have often seen
this succeed when other means had been tried in
vain. The patient must continue in the water as
long as he can easily bear it without fainting, and
if one immersion has not the desired effect, it may
be repeated as soon as the patient's strength and
spirits are recruited. It is more safe for him to go
frequently into the bath, than to continue long at
a time; and it is often necessary to repeat it several
times before it has the desired effect.
In
In desperate cases it is common to give quicksil-
ver. This
This may be given to the quantity of several
ounces, or even a pound, but should not exceed that.
When there is reason to suspect a mortification of
the guts, this medicine ought not to be tried.
that case it cannot cure the patient, and will only
hasten his death. But when the obstruction is oc-
casioned by any cause that can be removed by force,
quicksilver is not only a proper medicine, but the
best that can be administered, as it is the fittest bo-
104
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
dy we know for making its way through the intesti-
nal canal.
If the disease proceeds from a rupture, the patient
must be laid with his head very low, and the intes-
tines returned by gentle pressure with his hand. If
this, with fomentations and clysters, should not suc-
ceed, recourse must be had to surgical operation,
which may give the patient relief.
Such as would avoid this excruciating and dan-
gerous disease, must take care never to be too long
without a stool. Some who have died of it have had
several pounds of hard dry faces taken out of their
guts. They should likewise beware of eating too
freely of sour or unripe fruits, or drinking stale win-
dy liquors, &c. I have known it brought on by liv-
ing too much on baked fruits, which are seldom
good. It likewise proceeds frequently from cold
caught by wet clothes, &c. but especially from wet
feet.
OF THE COLIC.
The colic has a great resemblance to the two pre-
ceding diseases, both in its symptoms and method
of cure. It is generally attended with costiveness
and acute pain of the bowels; and requires diluting
diet, evacuations, fomentations, &c.
Colics are variously denominated according to
their causes, as the flatulent, the bilious, the hysteric,
the nervous, &c. As each of these requires a particular
method of treatment, we shall point out their most
general symptoms, and the means to be used for
their relief.
The flatulent, or wind colic, is generally occasion-
ed by an indiscreet use of unripe fruits, meats of
hard digestion, windy vegetables, fermented liquors,
and such like. It may likewise proceed from an
obstructed perspiration, or catching cold. Delicate
people, whose digestive powers are weak, are most
liable to this kind of colic.
BUCHLAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
105
The flatulent colic may either affect the stomach
or intestines. It is attended with a painful stretch-
ing of the affected part. The patient feels a rumb-
ling in his bowels, and is generally relieved by a
discharge of wind either upwards or downwards.
The pain is seldom confined to any particular part,
as the vapour wanders from one division to another,
till it finds a vent.
When the disease proceeds from windy liquor,
green fruits, sour herbs, or the like, the best medi-
cine, on the first appearance of the symptoms, is a
dram of brandy, gin, or any good spirits.
The
patient should likewise sit with his feet upon a warm
hearth-stone, or apply warm bricks to them: and
warm cloths may be applied to his stomach and
bowels.
This is the only colic wherein ardent spirits, spi-
ceries, or anything of a hot nature, may be ventured
upon. Nor indeed are they to be used here unless
at the very beginning, before any symptoms of in-
flammation appear. We have reason to believe that
the colic occasioned by windy or flatulent food might
always be cured by spirits and warm liquors, if
they were taken immediately on perceiving the
first uneasiness; but when the pain has continued
for a considerable time, and there is reason to fear
an inflammation of the bowels is already begun, all
hot things are to be avoided as poison, and the pa-
tient is to be treated in the same manner as for the
inflammation of the intestines.
Several kinds of food, as honey, eggs, &c., occa-
sion colics in some particular constitutions. I have
generally found the best method of cure for these
was to drink plentifully of small diluting liquors, as
water-gruel, sinall posset, toast and water, &c.
Colics which proceed from excess and indigestion
generally cure themselves by occasioning vomiting
or purging. These discharges are by no means to
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
be stopped, but promoted by drinking plentifully
of warm water or weak posset. When their violence
is over, the patient may take a dose of rhubarb, or
any other gentle purge, to carry off the dregs of his
debauch.
Colics which are occasioned by wet feet, by catch-
ing cold, may generally be removed at the begin-
ning by bathing the feet and legs in warm water,
and drinking such warm diluting liquors as will
promote the perspiration, as weak wine-whey, or
water gruel, with a small quantity of spirits in it.
Those flatulent colics which prevail so much a-
mong country people, might generally be prevented
were they careful to change their clothes when they
get wet. They ought likewise to take a dram, or to
drink some warm liquor, after eating any kind of
green trash.
We do not mean to recommend the
practice of dram drinking, but in this case ardent
spirits prove a real medicine. A glass of good pep-
permint water will have nearly the same effect as
a glass of brandy, and in some cases is rather to be
preferred.
The bilious colic is attended with very acute pains
about the region of the navel. The patient com-
plains of great thirst, and is generally costive. He
vomits a hot, bitter, yellow-coloured bile, which,
being discharged, seems to afford some relief, but is
quickly followed by the same violent pain as before.
As the distemper advances, the propensity to vomit
sometimes increases so as to become almost contin-
ual, and the proper motion of the intestines is so far
perverted that there are all the symptoms of an im-
pending iliac passion.
If the patient be young and strong, and the pulse
full and frequent, it will be proper to bleed, after
which clysters may be administered. Clear whey
or gruel, sharpened with the juice of lemon or cream
of tartar, must be drunk freely. Small chicken-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
107
broth, with a little manna dissolved in it, or a slight
decoction of tamarinds, is likewise very proper, or
any other thin, acid, opening liquor.
Besides bleeding and plentiful dilution, it will be
necessary to foment the belly with cloths dipped in
warm water, and if this should not succeed, the pa-
tient must be immersed up to the breast in warm
water.
In the bilious colic the vomiting is often very dif-
ficult to restrain. When this happens, the patient
may drink a decoction of toasted bread, or an infu-
sion of garden-mint in boiling water. Should these
not have the desired effect, the saline draught, with
a few drops of laudanum in it, may be given, and
repeated according to the urgency of the symptoms.
A sinall quantity of Venice treacle may be spread
in form of a cataplasm, and applied to the pit of the
stomach. Clysters, with a proper quantity of Ve-
nice treacle or liquid laudanum in them, may like-
wise be frequently administered.
The hysteric colic bears a great resemblance to
the bilious. It is attended with acute pains about
the region of the stomach, vomiting, &c. What
the patient vomits in this case is commonly of a
greenish colour. There is a great sinking of the
spirits, with dejection of mind and difficulty of
breathing, which are the characteristic symptoms
of this disorder. Sometimes it is accompanied with
the jaundice, but this generally goes off of its own
accord in a few days.
In this colic, all evacuations, as bleeding, purg-
ing, vomiting, &c. do hurt. Everything that weak-
ens the patient, or sinks the spirits, is to be avoided.
If, however, the vomiting should prove violent, luke-
warm water, or small posset, may be drunk to cleanse
the stomach. Afterwards the patient may take fifteen,
twenty, or twenty-five drops of liquid laudanum in
a glass of cinnamon-water. This may be repeated
every ten or twelve hours, till the symptoms abate.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
The nervous colic prevails among miners, smelters
of lead, plumbers, and manufacturers of white lead,
&c. It is very common in the cider counties of
England, and is supposed to be occasioned by the
leaden vessels used in preparing that liquor. It is
likewise a frequent disease in the West Indies, where
it is termed the dry belly-ache.
No disease of the bowels is attended with more ex-
cruciating pain than this. Nor is it soon at an end.
I have known it continue eight or ten days with
very little intermission, the body all the while con-
tinuing bound in spite of medicine, yet at length
yield, and the patient recover. It generally, how-
ever, leaves the patient weak, and often ends in a
palsy.
The Barbadoes tar is said to be an efficacious me-
dicine in this complaint. It may be taken to the
quantity of two drachms three times a-day, or of-
tener if the stomach will bear it. This tar, mixed
with an equal quantity of strong rum, is likewise
proper for rubbing the spine, in case any tingling,
or other symptoms of the palsy, are felt. When
the tar cannot be obtained, the back may be rubbed
with strong spirits, or a little oil of nutmegs, or of
rosemary.
INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.
CAUSES. This disease may proceed from any of
those causes which produce an inflammatory fever.
It may likewise be occasioned by wounds or bruises
of the kidneys; small stones or gravel lodging with-
in them; by strong diuretic medicines, as spirits
of turpentine, tincture of cantharides, &c. Violent
motion, as hard riding or walking, especially in hot
weather, or whatever drives the blood too forcibly
into the kidneys, may occasion this malady. It may
likewise proceed from lying too soft, too much on
the back, involuntary contractions, or spasms, in
the urinary vessels.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
109
SYMPTOMS.-There is a sharp pain about the re-
gion of the kidneys, with some degree of fever, and
a stupor or dull pain in the thigh of the affected
side. The urine is at first clear, and afterwards of
a reddish colour; but in the worst kind of the dis-
ease it generally continues pale, is passed with dif-
ficulty, and commonly in small quantities at a
time. The patient feels great uneasiness when he
endeavours to sit or walk upright. He lies with
most ease on the affected side, and has generally a
nausea or vomiting, resembling that which happens.
in the colic.
This disease, however, may be distinguished from
the colic by the pain being seated farther back, and
by the difficulty of passing urine, with which it is
constantly attended.
REGIMEN. Every thing of a heating or stimulat-
ing nature is to be avoided. The food must be thin
and light; as panado, small broths, with mild vege-
tables, and the like. Emollient and thin liquors
must be plentifully drunk; as clear whey, or balm-
tea sweetened with honey, decoctions of marsh-mal-
low roots, with barley and liquorice, &c. The pa-
tient, notwithstanding the vomiting, must constant-
ly keep sipping small quantities of these or other
diluting liquors. Nothing so safely and certainly
abates the inflammation, and expels the obstructing
cause, as copious dilution. The patient must be kept
easy, quiet, and free from cold, as long as any symp-
toms of inflammation remain.
Cloths dipped in warm water, or bladders filled
with it, must be applied as near as possible to the
part affected, and renewed as they grow cool. If
the bladders be filled with the decoction of mallows
and camomile-flowers, to which a little saffron
is added, and mixed with about a third part of new
milk, it will be still more beneficial.
Emollient clysters ought frequently to be admin-
110
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
istered; and if these do not open the body, a little
salt and honey, or manna, may be added to them.
The same course is to be followed where gravel or
a stone is lodged in the kidney, but when the gravel
or stone is separated from the kidney, and lodges
in the ureter, it will be proper, besides the fomen-
tations, to rub the small of the back with sweet oil,
and to give gentle diuretics; as juniper-water,
sweetened with the syrup of marsh-mallows; a tea-
spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, with a few
drops laudanum may now and then be put in a cup
of the patient's drink. He ought likewise to take
exercise on horseback, or in a carriage, if he be able
to bear it.
When the disease is protracted beyond the se-
venth or eighth day, and the patient complains of a
stupor or heaviness of the part, has frequent re-
turns of chilliness, shivering, &c. there is reason to
suspect that matter is forming in the kidney, and
that an abscess will ensue.
When matter in the urine shows that an ulcer is
already formed in the kidney, the patient must be
careful to abstain from all acrid, sour, and salted
provisions; and to live chiefly upon mild mucila-
ginous herbs and fruits, together with the broth of
young animals, made with barley and common pot-
herbs, &c. His drink may be whey and butter-
milk that is not sour. The latter is by some reck-
oned a specific remedy in ulcers of the kidney.
To answer this character, however, it must be drunk
for a considerable time. Chalybeate waters have
likewise been found beneficial in this disease. This
medicine is easily obtained, as it is found in every
part of Great Britain. It must likewise be used for
à considerable time, in order to produce any salu-
tary effects.
Those who are liable to frequent returns of in-
flammation, or obstructions of the kidney, must ab-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
111
stain from wines, especially such as abound with far-
tar; and their food ought to be light and easy of di-
gestion. They should use moderate exercise, not
lie too hot, nor too much on their back, and avoid
costiveness.
INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.
THE inflammation of the bladder proceeds in a
great measure from the same causes as that of the
kidneys. It is known by an acute pain towards
the bottom of the belly, and difficulty of passing
urine, with some degree of fever, a constant inclina-
tion to go to stool, and a perpetual desire to make
water.
This disease must be treated on the same princi-
ples as the one immediately preceding. The diet
must be light and thin, and the drink of a cooling
nature. Bleeding is very proper at the beginning,
and in robust constitutions it will often be necessary
to repeat it. The lower part of the body should be
fomented with warm water, or a decoction of mild
vegetables; and emollient clysters ought frequently
to be administered, &c.
The patient should abstain from every thing that
is of a hot, acrid, and stimulating quality; and
should live entirely upon small broths, gruels, or
mild vegetables.
A stoppage of urine may proceed from other causes
besides an inflammation of the bladder; as a swell-
ing of the hæmorrhoidal veins; hard faces lodged
in the rectum; a stone in the bladder, excrescences
in the urinary passages, a palsy of the bladder, hy-
steric affections, &c. Each of these requires a par-
ticular treatment, which does not fall under our pre-
sent consideration. We shall only observe, that in
all of them mild and gentle applications are the saf-
est, as strong diuretic medicines, or things of an ir-
ritating nature, generally increase the danger.
I
112
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
have known some persons kill themselves by intro-
ducing probes into the urinary passages, to remove,
as they thought, somewhat that obstructed the dis-
charge of urine; and others bring on a violent in-
flammation of the bladder, by using strong diuretics,
as oil of turpentine, &c. for that purpose.
INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER.
THE liver is less subject to inflammation than most
of the other viscera, as in it the circulation is slower;
but when an inflammation does happen, it is with
difficulty removed, and often ends in a suppuration
or schirrus.
CAUSES.-Besides the common causes of inflam-
mation, we may here reckon the following, viz. ex-
cessive fatness, a schirrus of the liver itself, violent
shocks from strong vomits when the liver was be-
fore unsound, an adust or atrabilarian state of the
blood, any thing that suddenly cools the liver after
it has been greatly heated, stones obstructing the
course of the bile, drinking strong wines and spiri-
tuous liquors, using hot, spicy aliment, obstinate
hypochondriacal affections, &c.
SYMPTOMS.-This disease is known by a painful
tension of the right side under the false ribs, at-
tended with some degree of fever, a sense of weight,
or fulness of the part, difficulty of breathing, loath-
ing of food, great thirst, with a pale or yellowish
colour of the skin and eyes.
The symptoms here are various, according to the
degree of inflammation, and likewise according to
the particular part of the liver where the inflamma-
tion happens. Sometimes the pain is so inconsi-
derable that an inflammation is not so much as sus-
pected; but when it happens in the upper or con-
vex part of the liver, the pain is more acute, the
pulse quicker, and the patient is often troubled with
a dry cough, a hiccup, and a pain extending to the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
113
shoulder, with difficulty of lying on the left side.
This disease may be distinguished from the pleu-
risy, by the pain being less violent, seated under the
false ribs, the pulse not so hard, and by the diffi-
culty of lying on the left side. It may be distin.
guished from the hysteric and hypochondriac dis-
orders, by the degree of fever with which it is always
attended.
This disease, if properly treated, is seldom fatal.
A constant hiccuping, violent fever, and excessive
thirst, are bad symptoms. If it ends in a suppura-
tion, and the matter cannot be discharged outward-
ly, the danger is great. When a schirrus of the li-
ver ensues, the patient, if he observes a proper re-
gimen, may nevertheless live a number of years
tolerably easy; but if he indulges in animal food
and strong liquors, or takes medicines of an acrid
or irritating nature, the schirrus will be convert-
ed into a cancer, which must infallibly prove fatal.
REGIMEN. The same regimen is to be observed
in this as in other inflammatory disorders. All hot
things are to be carefully avoided, and cool dilut-
ing liquors, as whey, barley-water, &c. drunk freely.
The food must be light and thin, and the body, as
well as the mind, kept easy and quiet.
MEDICINE.-Bleeding is proper at the beginning
of this disease, and it will often be necessary, even
though the pulse should not feel hard, to repeat it.
All violent purgatives are to be avoided; the body,
however, must be kept gently open. A decoction of
tamarinds, with a little honey or manna, will an-
swer this purpose very well. The side affected must
be fomented in the same manner as directed in the
foregoing diseases. Mild laxative clysters should
be frequently administered; and if the pain should
notwithstanding continue violent, a blistering plas-
ter may be applied over the part affected; or ra-
ther a plaster made of gum-ammoniac and vinegar
of squills.
179
H
114
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
Medicines which promote the secretion of urine
have a very good effect here. For this purpose, half
a drachm of purified nitre, or a tea-spoonful of the
sweet spirits of nitre, may be taken in a cup of the
patient's drink, three or four times a-day.
When there is an inclination to sweat, it ought to
be promoted, but not by warm sudorifics. The on-
ly thing to be used for that purpose is plenty of di-
luting liquor, drunk about the warmth of the human
blood. Indeed the patient in this case, as well as
in all other topical inflammations, ought to drink
nothing that is colder than the blood.
If the stools should be loose, and even streaked
with blood, no means must be used to stop them,
unless they be so frequent as to weaken the patient.
Loose stools often prove critical, and carry off the
disease.
If an abscess or imposthume is formed in the li-
ver, all methods should be tried to make it break
and discharge itself outwardly, as fomentations, the
application of poultices, ripening cataplasms, &c.
Sometimes, indeed, the matter of an abscess comes
away in the urine, and sometimes it is discharged
by stool; but these are efforts of nature, which no
means can promote. When the abscess bursts into
the cavity of the abdomen at large, death must en-
sue; nor will the event be more favourable when
the abscess is opened by an incision, unless in cases
vhere the liver adheres to the peritoneum, so as to
form a bag for the matter, and prevent it from falling
into the cavity of the abdomen; in which case, open-
ing the abscess by a sufficiently large incision will
probably save the patient's life.
If the disorder, in spite of all endeavours to the
contrary, should end in a schirrus, the patient must
be careful to regulate his diet, &c. in such a man-
ner as not to aggravate the disease. He must not
indulge in flesh, fish, strong liquors, or any highly-
seasoned or salted provisions; but should, for the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
115
most part, live on mild vegetables, as fruits and roots
taking gentle exercise, and drinking whey, barley-
water, or butter-milk. If he takes anything strong-
er, it should be fine mild ale, which is less heating
than wines or spirits.
OF THE
THE CHOLERA MORBUS, AND
OTHER EXCESSIVE DISCHARGES
FROM THE STOMACH AND BOWELS.
THE cholera morbus is a violent purging and vomit-
ing, attended with gripes, sickness, and a constant
desire to go to stool. It comes on suddenly, and is
most common in autumn. There is hardly any dis-
ease that kills more quickly than this, when pro-
per means are not used in due time for removing it.
CAUSES. It is occasioned by a redundancy and
putrid acrimony of the bile; cold; food that easily
turns rancid or sour on the stomach, as butter, ba-
con, sweetmeats, cucumbers, melons, cherries, and
other cold fruits. It is sometimes the effect of
strong acrid purges or vomits, or of poisonous sub-
stances taken into the stomach. It may likewise pro-
ceed from violent passions or affections of the mind,
as fear, anger, &c.
SYMPTOMS. It is generally preceded by a car-
dialgia, or heart-burn, sour belchings, and flatulen-
cies, with pain of the stomach and intestines. To
these succeed excessive vomiting, and purging of
green, yellow, or blackish-coloured bile, with a dis-
tension of the stomach, and violent griping pains.
There is likewise a great thirst, with a very unequal
pulse, and often a fixed acute pain about the re-
gion of the navel. As the disease advances, the
pulse often sinks so low as to become quite imper-
ceptible, the extremities grow cold, or cramped, and
are often covered with a clammy sweat, the urine
obstructed, and there is a palpitation of the heart.
Violent hiccuping, fainting, and convulsions, are
the signs of approaching death.
Я
110
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
MEDICINE. At the beginning of this disease, the
efforts of nature to expel the offending cause should
be assisted by promoting the purging and vomiting.
For this purpose the patient must drink freely of
diluting liquors, as whey, butter-milk, warm wa-
ter, thin water-gruel, small posset, or, what is per-
haps preferable to any of them, very weak chicken-
broth. This should not only be drunk plentifully
to promote the vomiting, but a clyster of it given
every hour in order to promote the purging.
After these evacuations have been continued for
some time, a decoction of toasted oat-bread may be
drunk to stop the vomiting. The bread should be
toasted till it is of a brown colour, and afterwards.
boiled in spring water. If oat-bread cannot be had,
wheat-bread, or oat-meal well toasted, may be used
in its stead. If this does not put a stop to the vomit-
ing, two table-spoonsful of the saline julap, with
ten drops of laudanum, may be taken every hour
till it ceases.
The vomiting and purging, however, ought never
to be stopped too soon. As long as these discharges
do not weaken the patient, they are salutary, and
may be allowed to go on, or rather ought to be pro-
moted. But when the patient is weakened by the
evacuations, which may be known from the sink-
ing of his pulse, &c. recourse must immediately be
had to opiates, as recommended above; to which
may be added strong wines, with spirituous cinna-
mon-water, and other generous cordials.
Warm
negus, or strong wine-whey, will likewise be neces-
sary to support the patient's spirits, and promote
the perspiration. His legs should be bathed in
warm water, and afterwards rubbed with flannel
cloths, or wrapped in warm blankets, and warm
bricks applied to the soles of the feet. Flannels
wrung out of warm spirituous fomentations should
likewise be applied to the region of the stomach.
When the violence of the disease is over, to pre-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
117
vent a relapse it will be necessary for some time to
continue the use of small doses of laudanum. Ten
or twelve drops may be taken in a glass of wine, at
least twice a-day, for eight or ten days.
OF A DIARRHOEA, OR LOOSENESS.
A looseness, in many cases, is not to be considered
as a disease, but rather as a salutary evacuation. It
ought therefore never to be stopped, unless when it
continues too long, or evidently weakens the patient.
As this, however, sometimes happens, we shall point
out the most coinmon causes of a looseness, with the
proper method of treatment.
When a looseness is occasioned by catching cold,
or an obstructed perspiration, the patient ought to
keep warm, to drink freely of weak diluting liquors,
to bathe his feet and legs frequently in lukewarmi
water, to wear flannel next his skin, and to take
every other method to restore the perspiration.
In a looseness which proceeds from excess or re-
pletion, a vomit is the proper medicine. Vomits
not only cleanse the stomach, but promote all the
secretions, which render them of great importance
in carrying off a debauch. Half a drachm of ipeca-
cuanha in powder will answer this purpose very
well. A day or two after the vomit, the same quan-
tity of rhubarb may be taken, and repeated two or
three times, if the looseness continues.
The pa-
tient ought to live upon light vegetable food of ea-
sy digestion, and to drink whey, thin-gruel, or bar-
ley-water.
A looseness occasioned by the obstruction of any
customary evacuation generally requires bleeding.
If that does not succeed, other evacuations may be
substituted in the room of those which are obstruct-
ed. At the same time, every method is to be taken
to restore the usual discharges, as not only the cure
of the disease, but the patient's life, may depend on
;
this.
118
PUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
A periodical looseness ought never to be stopped.
It is always an effort of nature to carry off some
offending matter, which, if retained in the body,
might have fatal effects. Children are very liable
to this kind of looseness, especially while teething.
It is, however, so far from being hurtful to them,
that such children generally get their teeth with
least trouble. If these loose stools should at any
time prove sour or griping, a tea-spoonful of mag-
nesia alba, with four or five grains of rhubarb, may
be given to the child in a little panado, or any other
food. This, if repeated three or four times, will
generally correct the acidity, and carry off the grip-
ing stools. The potio cretacea, or chalk julap, may
be administered in doses of two or three spoonsful
after each evacuation; or a tea-spoonful of fine
powdered chalk may be mixed in a tea-cupful of
water-gruel, and given occasionally.
A diarrhoea, or looseness, which proceeds from
violent passions or affections of the mind, must be
treated with the greatest caution. Vomits in this
case are highly improper. Nor are purges safe,
unless they be mild, and given in small quantities.
Opiates, and other antispasmodic medicines are
most proper. Ten or twelve drops of liquid lauda-
num may be taken in a cup of valerian or penny-
royal tea every eight or ten hours, till the symptoms
abate. Ease, cheerfulness, and tranquillity of mind,
are here of the greatest importance.
When a looseness proceeds from acrid or poison-
ous substances taken into the stomach, the patient
must drink large quantities of diluting liquors, with
oil or fat broths, to promote vomiting and purging.
Afterwards, if there be reason to suspect that the
bowels are inflamed, bleeding will be necessary.
Small doses of laudanum may likewise be taken to
remove their irritation.
When the gout, repelled from the extremities,
occasions a looseness, it ought to be promoted by
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
119
gentle doses of rhubarb, or other mild purgatives.
The gouty matter is likewise to be solicited towards
the extremities by warm fomentations, cataplasms,
&c. The perspiration ought at the same time to be
promoted by warm diluting liquors; as wine-whey,
with spirits of hartshorn, or a few drops of liquid
laudanum in it.
Persons who, from a particular weakness, or too
great an irritability of the bowels, are liable to fre-
quent returns of this disease, should live temperate-
ly, avoiding crude summer fruits, all unwholesome
foods, and meats of hard digestion.
OF VOMITING.
Vomiting may proceed from various causes; as
excess in eating and drinking; foulness of the sto-
mach; the acrimony of the aliments; a translation
of the morbific matter of ulcers; the gout; the
erysipelas, or other diseases of the stomach. It
may likewise proceed from a looseness having been
too suddenly stopped; from the stoppage of any
customary evacuation, as the bieeding piles, the
menses, &c., from a weakness of the stomach, the
colic, the iliac passion, a rupture, a fit of the gravel,
worms; or from any kind of poison taken into the
stomach. It is a usual symptom of injuries done
to the brain; as contusions, compressions, &c. It
is likewise a symptom of wounds or inflammations
of the diaphragm, intestines, spleen, liver, &c.
Vomiting is a common symptom of pregnancy.
In this case it generally comes on about two weeks
after the stoppage of the menses, and continues dur-
ing the first three or four months.
When vomiting proceeds from a foul stomach or
indigestion, it is not to be considered as a disease,
but as the cure of a disease. It ought therefore to
be promoted, by drinking lukewarin water or thin
gruel. If this does not put a stop to the vomiting,
ફ્
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
a dose of ipecacuanha may be taken, and worked of
with weak camomile-tea.
When the retrocession of the gout, or the obstruc-
tion of customary evacuations, occasions vomiting,
all means must be used to restore these discharges;
or, if that cannot be effected, their place must be
supplied by others, as bleeding, purging, bathing
the extremities in warm water, opening issues, se-
tons, perpetual blisters, &c.
When vomiting is the effect of pregnancy, it may
generally be mitigated by bleeding, and keeping
the body gently open. The bleeding, however,
ought to be in small quantities at a time, and pur-
gatives should be of the mildest kind, as figs, stewed
prunes, manna or senna. Pregnant women are most
apt to vomit in the morning immediately after get-
ting out of bed, which is owing partly to the change
of posture, but more to the emptiness of the stomach.
It may generally be prevented, by taking a dish of
coffee, tea, or some light breakfast, in bed. Preg-
nant women who are afflicted with vomiting, ought
to be kept easy both in body and mind. They
should neither allow their stomachs to be quite
empty, nor should they eat much at once.
water is a very proper drink in this case; if the sto-
mach be weak, a little brandy may be added to it.
If the spirits be low, and the person apt to faint, a
spoonful of cinnamon-water, with a little marmalade
of quinces or oranges, may be taken.
Cold
If vomiting proceeds from weakness of the sto-
mach, bitters will be of service. Peruvian bark in-
fused in wine or brandy, with as much rhubarb as
will keep the body gently open, is an excellent medi-
cine in this case. The elixir of vitriol is also a good
medicine. It may be taken in the dose of fifteen or
twenty drops, twice or thrice a-day, in a glass of
wine or water. Habitual vomitings are sometimes
alleviated by making oysters a principal part of
diet.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
121
A vomiting which proceeds from acidities in the
stomach, is relieved by alkaline purges. The best
medicine of this kind is the magnesia alba, a tea-
spoonful of which may be taken in a dish of tea, or
a little milk, three or four times a-day, or oftener if
necessary, to keep the body open.
OF THE DIABETES, AND OTHER DIS-
ORDERS OF THE KIDNEYS AND
BLADDER.
THE diabetes is a frequent and excessive discharge
of urine. It is seldom to be met with among young
people; but often attacks persons in the decline of
life, especially those who follow the more violent
employments, or have been hard drinkers in their
youth.
CAUSES.-A diabetes is often the consequence of
acute diseases, as fevers, fluxes, &c. where the pa-
tient has suffered by excessive evacuations; it may
also be occasioned by great fatigue, as riding long
journeys upon a hard-trotting horse, carrying hea-
vy burdens, running, &c. It may be brought on by
hard drinking, or the use of strong stimulant diure-
tic medicines, as tincture of cantharides, spirits of
turpentine, and such like. It is often the effect of
drinking too great quantities of mineral waters.
Many imagine that these will do them no service
unless they be drunk in great quantities, by which
mistake it often happens that they occasion worse
diseases than those they were intended to cure. In
a word, this disease may either proceed from too
great a laxity of the organs which secrete the urine,
from something which stimulates the kidneys too
much, or from a thin dissolved state of the blood,
which makes too great a quantity of it to run off by
the urinary passages.
SYMPTOMS. In a diabetes, the urine generally
exceeds in quantity all the liquid food which the
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
patient takes.
It is thin and pale, of a sweetish
taste, and agreeable smell. The patient has a con-
tinual thirst, with some degree of fever; his mouth
is dry, and he spits frequently a frothy spittle. The
strength fails, the appetite decays, and the flesh
wastes away, till the patient is reduced to skin and
bone. There is a heat of the bowels; and frequent-
ly the loins, testicles, and feet, are swelled.
This disease may generally be cured at the begin-
ning; but after it has continued long, the cure be-
comes very difficult. In drunkards, and very old
people, a perfect cure is not to be expected.
REGIMEN.-Every thing that stimulates the uri-
nary passages, or tends to relax the habit, must be
avoided. For this reason, the patient should live
chiefly on solid food. His thirst may be quenched
with acids; as sorrel, juice of lemon, or vinegar.
The mucilaginous vegetables, as rice, sago, and sa-
lop, with milk, are the most proper food. Of ani-
mal substances, shell-fish are to be preferred; as
oysters, crabs, &c.
The drink may be Bristol-water. When that can-
not be obtained, lime-water, in which a due propor-
tion of oak-bark has been macerated, may be used.
The white decoction, with isinglass dissolved in it,
is likewise a very proper drink.
The patient ought daily to take exercise, but it
should be so gentle as not to fatigue him. He should
lie upon a hard bed or mattress. Nothing hurts
the kidneys more than lying too soft. A warm dry
air, the use of the flesh brush, and every thing that
promotes perspiration, is of service. For this rea-
son, the patient ought to wear flannel next his skin.
A large strengthening-plaster may be applied to
the back; or what will answer better, a great part
of the body may be wrapped in plaster.
MEDICINE.-Gentle purges, if the patient be not
too much weakened by the discase, have a good ef-
fect. They may consist of rhubarb, with carda-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
123
mum-seeds, or any other spiceries, infused in wine,
and may be taken in such quantities as to keep the
body gently open.
The patient must next have recourse to astring-
ents and corroborants. Half a drachm of powder
made of equal parts of alum, and the inspissated
juice commonly called Terra Japonica, may be tak-
en four times a-day, or oftener, if the stomach will
bear it. The alum must first be melted in a cru-
cible afterwards they may be both pounded to-
gether. Along with every dose of this powder, the
patient may take a tea-cupful of the tincture of
roses.
If the patient's stomach cannot bear the alum in
substanse, whey may be made of it, and taken in
the dose of a tea-cupful three or four times a-day.
The alum-whey is prepared by boiling two English
quarts of milk over a slow fire, with three drachms.
of alum, till the curd separates.
Opiates are of service in this disease, even though
the patient rests well. They take off spasm and ir-
ritation, and at the same time lessen the force of the
circulation. Ten or twelve drops of liquid lauda-
num may be taken in a cup of the patient's drink,
three or four times a-day.
OF A SUPPRESSION OF URINE.
It has already been observed, that a suppression of
urine may proceed from various causes; as an in-
flammation of the kidneys, or bladder; small stones
or gravel lodging in the urinary passages, hard fæces
lying in the rectum, pregnancy, a spasm or con-
traction of the neck of the bladder, clotted blood in
the bladder itself, a swelling of the hæmorrhoidal
veins, &c.
T'omentations must be used here. These may
either consist of warm water alone, or a decoction
of mild vegetables as mallows, camomile-flowers,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
&c.
Cloths dipped in these may either be applied
to the part affected, or a large bladder filled with the
decoction may be kept continually upon it. Some
put the herbs themselves into a flannel bag, and ap-
ply them to the part, which is far from being a bad
method.
The body ought to be kept open. This is not,
however, to be attempted by strong purgatives, but
by emollient clysters, or gentle infusions of senna
and manna.
The food must be light, and taken in small
quan
tities. The drink may be weak broth, or decoctions.
and infusions of mucilaginous vegetables, or marsh-
mallow roots, lime-tree buds, &c. A tea-spoonful
of nitre, or a drachm of Castile soap, may be fre-
quently put into the patient's drink; and, if there
be no inflammation, he may drink small gin punch.
Persons subject to a suppression of urine ought
to live very temperate. Their diet should be light,
and their liquor diluting. They should avoid all
acid and austere wines, should take sufficient ex-
ercise, lie hard, and avoid study and sedentary oc-
cupations.
OF THE GRAVEL AND STONE.
WHEN small stones are lodged in the kidneys, or
discharged with the urine, the patient is said to be
afflicted with the gravel. If one of these stones
happen to make a lodgment in the bladder for some
time, it accumulates fresh matter, and at length be-
comes too large to pass off with the urine. In this
case the patient is said to have the stone.
CAUSES. The stone and gravel may be occasioned
by high living; the use of strong astringent wines;
a sedentary life; lying too hot, soft, or too much on
the back; the constant use of water impregnated
with earthy or stony particles; aliments of an as-
tringent or windy nature, &c. It may likewise pro-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
125
ceed from an hereditary disposition. Persons in the
decline of life, and those who have been much afflict-
ed with the gout or rheumatism, are most liable to
it.
SYMPTOMS.-Small stones or gravel in the kidneys
occasion pain in the loins, sickness, vomiting, and
sometimes bloody urine. When the stone descends.
into the ureter, and is too large to pass along with
ease, all the above symptoms are increased; the
pain extends towards the bladder; the thigh and leg
of the affected side are benumbed; the testicles are
drawn upwards, and the urine is obstructed.
A stone in the bladder is known from a pain at
the time, as well as before and after making water;
from the urine coming away by drops, or stopping
suddenly when it was running in a full stream; by
a violent pain in the neck of the bladder upon motion,
especially on horse-back, or in a carriage on a rough
road; or from a white, thick, copious stinking
mucous sediment in the urine; from an itching in
the top of the penis; from bloody urine; from an
inclination to go to stool during the discharge of
urine; from the patient's passing his urine more
easily when lying than in an erect posture; from a
kind of convulsive motion occasioned by the sharp
pain in discharging the last drops of the urine; and
lastly, from sounding or searching with the catheter.
REGIMEN.-Persons afflicted with the gravel or
stone should avoid aliment of a windy or heating
nature, as salt meats, sour fruits, &c. Their diet
ought chiefly to consist of such things as tend to
promote the secretion of urine, and to keep the body
open. Artichokes, asparagus, spinage, lettuce, pars-
ley, succory, purslain, turnips, potatoes, carrots,
and radishes, may be safely eaten. Onions, leeks,
and celery are, in this case, reckoned medicinal.
The most proper drinks are whey, butter-milk, milk
and water, barley-water, decoctions or infusions of
the roots of marsh-mallows, parsley, liquorice, or of
7
126
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE
other mild mucilaginous vegetables, as linseed, lime-
tree buds or leaves, &c. If the patient has been ac-
customed to generous liquors, he may drink gin and
water not too strong.
Gentle exercise is proper; but violent motion is
apt to occasion bloody urine. We would therefore
advise that it should be taken in moderation. Per-
sons afflicted with the gravel often pass a great
number of stones after riding on horseback, or in a
carriage; but those who have a stone in the bladder
are seldom able to bear this kind of exercise. Where
there is an hereditary tendency to this disease, a se-
dentary life ought never to be indulged. Were people
careful, upon the first symptoms of gravel, to observe
a proper regimen of diet, and to take sufficient ex-
ercise, it might often be carried off, or at least pre-
vented from increasing; but if the same course which
occasioned the disease is persisted in, it must be ag-
gravated.
MEDICINE.-In what is called a fit of the gravel,
which is commonly occasioned by a stone sticking
in the ureter or some part of the urinary passages,
the patient must be bled; warm fomentations should
likewise be applied to the part affected, emollient
clysters administered, and diluting mucilaginous
liquors drunk, &c. The treatment in this case has
been fully pointed out under the articles inflammation
of the kidneys and bladder, to which we refer.
OF INVOLUNTARY DISCHARGES OF
BLOOD.
SPONTANEOUS or involuntary discharges of blood,
often happen from various parts of the body. These,
however, are so far from being always dangerous,
that they often prove salutary. When such dis-
charges are critical, which is frequently the case in
fevers, they ought not to be stopped. Nor indeed
is it proper at any time to stop them, unless they be
BJCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
127
Most
so great as to endanger the patient's life.
people, afraid of the smallest discharge of blood from
any part of the body, fly immediately to the use of
styptic and astringent medicines, by which means.
an inflammation of the brain, or some other fatal
disease, is occasioned, which, had the discharge been
allowed to go on, might have been prevented.
Periodical discharges of blood, from whatever part
of the body they proceed, must not be stopped.
They are always the efforts of nature to relieve her-
self; and fatal diseases have often been the conse-
quences of obstructing them. It may, indeed, be
sometimes necessary to check the violence of such
discharges; but even this requires the greatest
caution. Instances might be given where the stop-
ping of a small periodical flux of blood from one of
the fingers has proved fatal to the health.
In the early period of life, bleeding at the nose is
very common. Those who are farther advanced in
years are more liable to hæmoptoe, or discharge of
blood from the lungs. After the middle period of
life, hæmorrhoidal fluxes are most common; and,
in the decline of life, discharges of blood from the
urinary passages.
Involuntary fluxes of blood may proceed from
very different, and often from quite opposite causes.
Sometimes they are owing to a particular construc-
tion of the body, as a sanguine temperament, a
laxity of the vessels, a plethoric habit, &c. At other
times they proceed from a determination of the blood
towards one particular part, as the head, the hæ-
morrhoidal veins, &c. They may likewise proceed
from an inflammatory disposition of the blood, in
which case there is generally some degree of fever:
this likewise happens when the flux is occasioned by
an obstructed perspiration, or a stricture upon the
skin, the bowels, or any particular part of the system.
But a dissolved state of the blood will likewise
occasion hæmorrhages. Thus, in putrid fevers, the
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
dysentery, the scurvy, the malignant small-pox, &c.
there are often very great discharges of blood from
different parts of the body. They may likewise be
brought on by too liberal a use of medicines which
tend to dissolve the blood, as cantharides, the vola-
tile alkaline salt, &c. Food of an acrid or irritating
quality may likewise occasion hæmorrhages; as
also strong purges and vomits, or any thing that
greatly stimulates the bowels.
Violent passions or agitations of the mind will
likewise have this effect. These often cause bleed-
ing at the nose; and I have known them sometimes
occasion an hæmorrhage in the brain. Violent ef-
forts of the body, by overstraining or hurting the
vessels, may have the same effect, especially when
the body is long kept in an unnatural posture, as
hanging the head very low, &c.
The cure of an hæmorrhage must be adapted to
its cause. When it proceeds from too much blood,
or a tendency to inflammation,-bleeding, with
gentle purges and other evacuations will be necessary.
It will likewise be proper for the patient in this case
to live chiefly upon a vegetable diet, to avoid all
strong liquors, and food that is of an acrid, hot, or
stimulating quality. The body should be kept cool,
and the mind easy.
His
When an hæmorrhage is owing to a putrid or dis-
solved state of the blood, the patient ought to live
chiefly upon acrid fruits, with milk, and vegetables
of a nourishing nature, as sago, salop, &c.
drink may be wine diluted with water, and sharpened
with the juice of lemon, vinegar, or spirits of vitriol.
The best medicine in this case is the Peruvian bark,
which may be taken according to the urgency of the
symptoms.
When a flux of blood is the effect of acrid food, or
of strong stimulating medicines, the cure is to be
effected by soft and mucilaginous diet. The patient
may likewise take frequently about the bulk of a
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
129
nutmeg of Locatelli's balsam, or the same quantity
of spermaceti.
When an obstructed perspiration, or a stricture
upon any part of the system, is the cause of an hæ-
morrhage, it may be removed by drinking warın
diluting liquors, lying a-bed, bathing the extremities
in warm water, &c.
OF BLEEDING AT THE NOSE.
BLEEDING at the nose is commonly preceded by
some degree of quickness of the pulse, flushing in
the face, pulsation of the temporal arteries, heaviness
in the head, dimness of the sight, heat and itching
of the nostrils, &c.
To persons who abound with blood, this discharge
is very salutary. It cften cures a vertigo, the head-
ache, a frenzy, and even an epilepsy. In fevers,
where there is a great determination of blood to-
wards the head, it is of the utmost service. It is
likewise beneficial in inflammations of the liver and
spleen, and often in the gout and rheumatism. In
all diseases where bleeding is necessary, a spontane
ous discharge of blood from the nose is of much
more service than the same quantity let with a lan-
cet.
In a discharge of blood from the nose, the great
point is to determine whether it ought to be stopped
or not. It is a common practice to stop the bleeding,
without considering whether it be a disease, or the
cure of a disease. This conduct proceeds from fear,
but it has often bad, and sometimes fatal, conse-
quences.
When a discharge of blood from the nose happens
in an inflammatory disease, there is always reason to
believe that it may prove salutary; and therefore it
should be suffered to go on, at least as long as the
patient is not weakened by it.
When it happens to persons in perfect health, who
179
I
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
are full of blood, it ought not to be suddenly stopped,
especially if the symptoms of plethora mentioned
above have preceded it. In this case it cannot be
stopped without risking the patient's life.
In fine, whenever bleeding at the nose relieves
any bad symptom, and does not proceed so far as to
endanger the patient's life, it ought not to be stop-
ped.
OF THE BLEEDING AND BLIND PILES.
A discharge of blood from the hæmorrhoidal ves-
sels is called the bleeding piles. When the vessels
only swell and discharge no blood, but are exceed-
ingly painful, the disease is called the blind piles.
Persons of a loose spongy fibre, of a bulky size,
who live high, and lead a sedentary, inactive life,
are most subject to this disease. It is often owing
to an hereditary disposition. When this is the case,
it attacks persons more early in life than when it is
accidental. Men are more liable to it than women,
especially those of a sanguine, plethoric, or a scor-
butic habit, or of a melancholy disposition.
The piles may be occasioned by an abscess of
blood, by strong aloetic purges, high seasoned food,
drinking great quantities of sweet wine, the neglect
of bleeding or other customary evacuations, mucb
riding, great costiveness, or any thing that occasions.
hard or difficult stools. Anger, grief, or other vio-
lent passions, will likewise occasion the piles. I
have often known them brought on by sitting on the
damp ground. A pair of thin breeches will excite
the disorder in a person who is subject to it, and
sometimes even in those who never had it before.
Pregnant women are often afflicted with the piles.
A flux of blood from the anus is not always to be
treated as a disease. It is even more salutary than
bleeding at the nose, and often prevents or carries
off diseases. It is peculiarly beneficial in the gout,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
131
rheumatism, asthma, and other hypochondriacal
complaints, and often proves critical in colics and
inflammatory fevers.
In the management of the patient, regard must
be had to his habit of body, his age, strength, and
manner of living. A discharge which might be ex-
cessive and prove hurtful to one, may be very mo-
derace, and even salutary, to another. That only is
to be esteemed dangerous, which continues too long,
and is in such quantity as to waste the patient's
strength, hurt the digestion, nutrition, and other
functions necessary to life.
When this is the case, the discharge must be check-
ed by a proper regimen and astringent medicines.
The DIET must be cool, but nourishing, consisting
chiefly of bread, milk, cooling vegetables and broths.
The DRINK may be chalybeate water, orange-whey,
decoctions or infusions of the astringent and muci-
laginous plants, as the tormentil root, bistort, the
marsh-mallow roots, &c.
Old conserve of red roses is a very good medicine
in this case. It may be mixed with new milk, and
taken in the quantity of an ounce, three or four
times a-day. This medicine is in no great repute,
owing to it being seldom taken in such quantity as
to produce any effects; but when taken as here di-
rected, and duly persisted in, I have known it per-
form very extraordinary cures in violent hæmorrha-
ges, especially when assisted by the tiucture of ro-
ses; a tea-cupful of which may be taken about an
hour after every dose of the conserve.
The Peruvian bark is likewise proper in this case,
both as a strengthener and astringent.
Half a
drachm of it may be taken in a glass of red wine,
sharpened with a few drops of the elixir of vitriol,
three or four times a-day.
The bleeding piles are sometimes periodical, and
return regularly once a-month, or once in three
weeks. In this case they are always to be consider-
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
ed as a salutary discharge, and by no means to be
stopped. Some have entirely ruined their health by
stopping a periodical discharge of blood from the
hæmorrhoidal veins.
In the blind piles, bleeding is generally of use.
The diet must be light and thin, and the drink cool
and diluting. It is likewise necessary that the bo-
dy be kept gently open. This may be done by
small doses of the flower of brimstone and cream of
tartar. These may be mixed in equal quantities,
and a tea-spoonful taken three or four times a-day,
or oftener if necessary. Or an ounce of the flower
of brimstone and half an ounce of purified nitre may
be mixed with three or four ounces of the lenitive
electuary, and a tea-spoonful of it taken three or
four times a-day.
Emollient clysters are here likewise beneficial
but there is sometimes such an astriction of the
anus, that they cannot be thrown up. In this case
I have known a vomit have a very good effect.
;
When the piles are exceeding painful and swelled,
but discharge nothing, the patient must sit over the
'steam of warm water. He may likewise apply a
linen cloth dipped in warm spirits of wine to the
part, or poultices made of bread and milk, or of
leeks fried with butter. If these do not produce a
discharge, and the piles appear large, leeches must
be applied as near as possible, or if they will fix
upon the piles themselves so much the better. When
leeches will not fix, the piles may be opened with a
lancet. The operation is very easy, and is attended
with no danger.
Various ointments and other external applications
are recommended in the piles; but I do not remem-
ber to have scen any effects from these worth men-
tioning. Their principal use is to keep the part
moist, which may be done as well by a soft poultice
or an emollient cataplasm. When the pain how-
ever is very great, a liniment made of two ounces of
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
133
emollient ointment, and half an ounce of the liquid
laudanum, beat up with the yolk of an egg, may be
applied.
Aloes, which form a principal part of most of the
advertised purgative pills, are frequently the cause
of the piles. An habitual costiveness is much more
effectually and safely removed by a spoonful of cas-
tor oil taken occasionally in an evening.
A weak solution of sugar of lead, with a little lau-
danum, is the best external remedy when the piles
are very painful. An ointment made of one third
finely powdered galls, and two thirds hogs-lard, is
likewise of great service. An injection of lime-wa-
ter, or an infusion of galls, may be used with advant-
age when the piles are seated high.
-
The pain is often removed by an emetic, or taking
twice a day thirty drops of balsam of copaiva on a
little moist sugar. A pile having a narrow neck is
best extirpated by the knife; if it be large, or have
a broad basis, a double ligature may be passed
through it, and tied on each side.
SPITTING OF BLOOD.
We mean here to treat of that discharge of blood
from the lungs only, which is called a hæmoptoe, or
spitting of blood. Persons of a slender make, and
lax fibre, who have long necks and strait breasts,
are most liable to this disease. It is most common
in the spring, and generally attacks people before
they arrive at the prime or middle period of life. It
is a common observation, that those who have been
subject to bleeding at the nose when young, are af-
terwards most liable to a hæmoptoe.
CAUSES.-A hæmoptoe may proceed from excess
of blood, from a peculiar weakness of the lungs, or
a bad conformation of the breast. It is often occa-
sioned by excessive drinking, running, wrestling,
singing, or speaking aloud. Such as have weak lungs,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
ought to avoid all violent exertions of that organ, as
they value life. They should likewise guard against
violent passions, excessive drinking, and every thing
that occasions a rapid circulation of the blood.
This disease may likewise proceed from wounds
of the lungs. These may either be received from
without, or they may be occasioned by hard bodies.
getting up the windpipe, and so falling down upon
the lungs, and hurting that tender organ. The ob-
struction of any customary evacuation may occasion
a spitting of blood; as neglect of bleeding or purging
at the usual seasons, the stoppage of the bleeding
piles in men, or the menses in women, &c. It may
likewise proceed from a polypus, schirrhous con-
cretion, or any thing that obstructs the circulation
of the blood in the lungs. It is often the effect of
a long and violent cough; in which case it is gen-
erally the forerunner of a consumption. A violent
degree of cold suddenly applied to the external part
of the body will occasion a hæmoptoe. It may like-
wise be occasioned by breathing air which is too
much rarified to be able properly to expand the
lungs.
Spitting of blood is not always to be considered
as a primary disease. It is often only a symptom,
and in some diseases not an unfavourable one. This
is the case in pleurisies, peripneumonies, and sundry
other fevers. In a dropsy, scurvy, or consumption,
it is a bad symptom, and shows that the lungs are
ulcerated.
SYMPTOMS.-Spitting of blood is generally pre-
ceded by a sense of weight and oppression of the
breast, a dry tickling cough, hoarseness, and a
difficulty of breathing. Sometimes it is ushered in
with shivering, coldness of the extremities, costive-
ness, great lassitude, flatulence, pain of the back and
loins, &c. As these show a tendency of the blood
to inflammation, they are commonly the forerunners
of a copious discharge. The above symptoms do
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
135
not attend a discharge of blood from the gums or
fauces, by which means they may always be distin-
guished from a hæmoptoe. Sometimes the blood
that is spit up is thin, and of a florid red colour;
and at other times it is thick, and of a dark or blackish
colour; nothing however can be inferred from this
circumstance, but that the blood has lain a longer
or shorter time in the breast before it was discharged.
Spitting of blood, in a strong healthy person, of a
sound constitution, is not very dangerous; but when
it attacks the tender and delicate, or persons of a
weak lax fibre, it is with difficulty removed. When
it proceeds from a schirrus or polypus of the lungs,
it is bad. The danger is greater when the discharge
proceeds from the rupture of a large vessel than of
a small one. When the extravasated blood is not
spit up, but lodges in the breast, it corrupts, and
greatly increases the danger. When the blood pro-
ceeds from an ulcer in the lungs, it is generally
fatal.
REGIMEN. The patient ought to be kept cool
and easy.
Every thing that heats the blood, or
quickens the circulation, increases the danger.
The mind ought likewise to be soothed, and every
occasion of exciting the passions avoided. The diet
should be soft, cooling, and slender; as rice boiled
with milk, small broths, barley-gruel, panado, &c.
-The diet in this case can scarcely be too low.
Even water-gruel is sufficient to support the patient
for some days. All strong liquors must be avoided.
The patient must drink milk and water, barley-
water, whey, butter-milk, and such like. Every
thing, however, should be drunk cold, and in small
quantities at a time. He should observe the strict-
est silence, or at least speak with a very low voice.
MEDICINE. This, like the other involuntary dis-
charges of blood, ought not to be suddenly stopped
by astringent medicines: more mischief is done by
these, than if it were suffered to go on.
It may,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
however, proceed so far as to weaken the patient,
and even endanger his life; in which case proper
means must be used for restraining it.
The body should be kept gently open by laxative
diet as roasted apples, stewed prunes, and such
like. If these should not have the desired effect, a
tea-spoonful of the lenitive electuary may be taken
twice or thrice a-day as is found necessary. If
the bleeding proves violent, ligatures may be ap-
plied to the extremities, as directed for bleeding at
the nose.
Bathing the feet and legs in lukewarm water has
likewise a very good effect in this disease. Opiates
too are sometimes beneficial; but these must be ad-
ministered with caution. Ten or twelve drops of
laudanum may be given in a cup of barley-water
twice a-day, and continued for some time, provided
they be found beneficial.
The conserve of roses is likewise a very good me-
dicine in this case, provided it be taken in sufficient
quantity, and long enough persisted in. It may be
taken to the quantity of three or four ounces a-day ;
and if the patient be troubled with a cough, it should
be made into an electuary, with balsamic syrup and
a little of the syrup of poppies.
If stronger astringents be necessary, fifteen or
twenty drops of the elixir of vitriol may be given in
a glass of water three or four times a-day.
VOMITING OF BLOOD.
THIS is not so common as the other discharges of
blood which have already been mentioned; but
it is very dangerous, and requires particular atten-
tion.
Vomiting of blood is generally preceded by pain
of the stomach, sickness, and nausea; and is accom-
panied with great anxiety and frequent fainting
fits.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
137
This disease is sometimes periodical; in which
case it is less dangerous. If often proceeds from
the stopping of the hæmorrhoidal flux in men. It
may be occasioned by any thing that greatly stimu-
lates or wounds the stomach, &c. It is often the ef-
fect of obstructions in the liver, the spleen, or some
of the other viscera. It may likewise proceed from
external violence, as from blows or bruises, or any of
the causes which produce inflammation. In hysteric
women, vomiting of blood is a very common, but by
no means a dangerous, symptom.
A great part of the danger in this disease arises
from the extravasated blood lodging in the bowels,
and becoming putrid, by which means a dysentery
or putrid fever may be occasioned.
The best way
of preventing this, is to keep the body gently open
by frequently exhibiting emollient clysters. Purges
must not be given till the discharge is stopt, other-
wise they will irritate the stomach, and increase the
disorder. All the food and drink must be of a mild
nature, and taken in small quantities. Even drink-
ing cold water has sometimes proved a remedy, but
it will succeed better with weak spirits of vi-
triol. When there are signs of an inflammation,
bleeding may be necessary; but the patient's weak-
ness will seldom permit it. Opiates may be of use;
but they must be given in very small doses, as four
or five drops of liquid laudanum twice or thrice
a-day.
After the discharge is over, as the patient is gen-
erally troubled with gripes, occasioned by the acri-
mony of the blood lodged in the intestines, gentle
purges will be necessary.
OF BLOODY URINE.
This is a discharge of blood from the vessels of
the kidneys or bladder, occasioned by their being
either enlarged, broken, or eroded. It is more or
138
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
less dangerous, according to the different circum-
stances which attend it.
When pure blood is voided suddenly, without in-
terruption and without pain, it proceeds from the
kidneys; but if the blood be in small quantity, of
a dark colour, and emitted with heat and pain
about the bottom of the belly, it proceeds from the
bladder. When bloody urine is occasioned by a
rough stone descending from the kidneys to the
bladder, which wounds the ureter, it is attended with
a sharp pain in the back, and difficulty of making
water. If the coats of the bladder are hurt by a
stone, and the bloody urine follows, it is attended
with the most acute pain, and a previous stopping
of urine.
Bloody urine may likewise be occasioned by falls,
blows, the lifting or carrying of heavy burdens,
hard riding, or any violent motion. It may also
proceed from ulcers of the bladder, from a stone
lodged in the kidneys, or from violent purges, or
sharp diuretic medicines, especially cantharides.
Bloody urine is always attended with some degree
of danger, but it is particularly so when mixed with
purulent matter, as this shows an ulcer somewhere
in the urinary passages. Sometimes this discharge
proceeds from excess of blood, in which case it is
rather to be considered as a salutary evacuation
than a disease. If the discharge, however, be very
great, it may waste the patient's strength, and oc-
casion an ill habit of body, a dropsy, or a con-
sumption.
The treatment of this disease must be varied ac-
cording to the different causes from which it pro-
ceeds.
When it is owing to a stone in the bladder, the
cure depends upon an operation, a description of
which would be foreign to our purpose.
If it be attended with a plethora and symptoms of
inflammation, bleeding will be necessary. The bo-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
139
dy must likewise be kept open by emollient clys-
ters or cooling purgative medicines: as cream of
tartar, rhubarb, manna, or small doses of lenitive
electuary.
When bloody urine proceeds from a dissolved
state of the blood, it is commonly the symptom of
some malignant disease; as the small-pox, a putrid
fever, or the like. In this case the patient's life de-
pends on the liberal use of the Peruvian bark, wine
and acids, as has already been shown.
When there is reason to suspect an ulcer in the
kidneys or bladder, the patient's diet must be cool,
and his drink of a soft, healing, balsamic quality,
as decoctions of marsh-mallow roots, with liquorice,
solutions of gum-arabic, &c. Three ounces of
marsh-mallow roots, and half an ounce of liquorice,
may be boiled in two English quarts of water to
one; two ounces of gum-arabic, and half an ounce
of purified nitre, may be dissolved in the strained
liquor, and a teacupful of it taken four or five times
a-day.
The early use of astringents in this disease has
often bad consequences. When the flux is stopped
too soon, the grumous blood, by being confined in
the vessels, may produce inflammations, abscess,
and ulcers. If, however, the case be urgent, or the
patient seems to suffer from the loss of blood, gen-
tle astringents may be necessary. In this case the
patient may take three or four ounces of lime-wa-
ter, with half an ounce of the tincture of Peruvian
bark, three times a-day; or he may take an ounce
or two of the conserve of roses three or four times
a-day, drinking a teacupful of the tincture of roses
after it; or if stronger styptics be necessary, a
drachm of American bole in a cup of whey may be
taken three or four times a-day.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
OF THE DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY
FLUX.
THIS disease prevails in the spring and autumn. It
is most common in marshy countries, where, after
hot and dry summers, it is apt to become epidemic.
Persons are most liable to it who are much expos-
ed to the night-air, or who live in places where the
air is confined and unwholesome. Hence it often
proves fatal in camps, on shipboard, in gaols, hospi-
tals, and such like places.
CAUSES. The dysentery may be occasioned by
any thing that obstructs the perspiration, or renders
the humours putrid: as damp beds, wet clothes,
unwholesome diet, bad air, &c. But it is most fre-
quently communicated by infection. This ought
to make people extremely cautious in going near
such persons as labour under the disease. Even
the smell of the patient's excrements has been known
to communicate the infection.
SYMPTOMS.-It is known by a flux in the belly, at-
tended by violent pain in the bowels, a constant in-
clination to go to stool, and generally more or less
blood in the stools. It begins, like other fevers, with
chillness, loss of strength, a quick pulse, great thirst,
and an inclination to vomit. The stools are at first
greasy and frothy, afterwards they are streaked with
blood, and at last have frequently the appearance
of pure blood, mixed with small filaments resembling
bits of skin. Worms are sometimes passed both
upwards and downwards, through the whole course
of the disease. When the patient goes to stool, he
feels a bearing down, as if the whole bowels were
falling out, and sometimes a part of the intestine is
actually protruded, which proves exceedingly trou-
blesome, especially in children. Flatulency is
likewise a troublesome symptom, especially towards
the end of the disease.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
141
:
This disease may be distinguished from a diarrhoea,
or looseness, by the acute pain of the bowels, and
the blood which generally appears in the stools. It
may be distinguished from the cholera morbus by its
not being attended with such violent and frequent
fits of vomiting, &c.
When the dysentery attacks the old, the delicate,
or such as have been wasted by the gout, the scurvy,
or other lingering diseases, it generally proves fatal.
Vomiting and hiccuping are bad signs, as they show
an inflammation of the stomach. When the stools
are green, black, or have an exceedingly disagreeable
cadaverous smell, the danger is very great, as it
shows the disease to be of a putrid kind. It is an
unfavourable symptom when clysters are immediate-
ly returned; but still more so when the passage is
so obstinately shut that they cannot be injected. A
feeble pulse, coldness of the extremities, with diffi-
culty of swallowing, and convulsions, are signs of
approaching death.
REGIMEN.-Nothing is of more importance in
this disease than cleanliness. It contributes greatly
to the recovery of the patient, and no less to the
safety of such as attend him. In all contagious dis-
eases the danger is increased, and the infection
spread, by the neglect of cleanliness; but in no one
more than this. Every thing about the patient should
be frequently changed. The excrement should
never be suffered to continue in his chamber, but
be removed immediately, and buried under ground.
A constant stream of fresh air should be admitted
into his chamber; and it ought frequently to be
sprinkled with vinegar, juice of lemon, or some other
strong acids.
The patient must not be discouraged, but his
spirits kept up in hopes of a cure. Nothing tends
more to render any putrid disease mortal, than the
fears and apprehensions of the sick. All diseases
of this nature have a tendency to sink and depress
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
the spirits, and when that is increased by fears and
alarms from those whom the patient believes to be
persons of skill, it cannot fail to have the worst ef-
fect.
A flannel waistcoat worn next the skin has often
a very good effect in the dysentery. This promotes
the perspiration without over-heating the body.
Great caution, however, is necessary in leaving it
off. I have often known a dysentery brought on
by imprudently throwing off a flannel waistcoat be-
fore the season was sufficiently warm. For what-
ever purpose this piece of dress is worn, it should
never be left off but in a warm season.
In this disease the greatest attention must be paid
to the patient's diet. Flesh, fish, and every thing
that has a tendency to turn putrid or rancid on the
stomach, must be abstained from. Apples boiled in
milk, water-pap, and plain light pudding, with broth
made of the gelatinous parts of animals, may con-
stitute the principal part of the patient's food. Ge-
latinous broth not only answers the purpose of food,
but is likewise a medicine. I have often known
dysenteries, which were not of a putrid nature,
cured by it, after pompous medicines had proved
ineffectual.
In a putrid dysentery the patient may be allowed
to eat freely of most kinds of good ripe fruit; as
apples, grapes, gooseberries, currant-berries, straw-
berries, &c. These may either be eaten raw or
boiled, with or without milk, as the patient chooses.
The prejudice against fruit in this disease is so
great, that many believe it to be the common cause.
of dysenteries. This however is an egregious mis-
take. Both reason and experience show, that good
fruit is one of the best medicines, both for the pre-
vention and cure of the dysentery. Good fruit is in
every respect calculated to counteract that tendency
to putrefaction, from whence the most dangerous
kind of dysentery proceeds. The patient in such a
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
143
case ought therefore to be allowed to eat as much
fruit as he pleases, provided it be ripe.
The most proper drink in this disorder is whey.
The dysentery has often been cured by the use of
clear whey alone. It may be taken both for drink,
and in form of clyster. When whey cannot be had,
barley-water sharpened with cream of tartar may be
drunk, or a decoction of barley and tamarinds; two
ounces of the former and one of the latter may be
boiled in two English quarts of water to one. Warm
water, water-gruel, or water wherein hot iron has
been frequently quenched, are all very proper, and
may be drunk in turns. Camomile-tea, if the sto-
mach will bear it, is an exceeding proper drink. It
both strengthens the stomach, and, by its antiseptic
quality, tends to prevent a mortification of the bow-
els.
MEDICINE. At the beginning of this disease it is
always necessary to cleanse the first passages. For
this purpose a vomit of ipecacuanha must be given,
and wrought off with weak camomile-tea. Strong
vomits are seldom necessary here. A scruple, or at
most half a drachm, of ipecacuanha, is generally suf-
ficient for an adult, and sometimes a very few grains
will suffice. The day after the vomit, half a drachm
or two scruples of rhubarb must be taken; or what
will answer the purpose rather better, an ounce, or
an ounce and a half, of Epsom salts. This dose
may be repeated every other day for two or three
times. Afterwards small doses of ipecacuanha may
be taken for some time. Two or three grains of the
powder may be mixed in a table-spoonful of the
syrup of poppies, and taken three times a-day.
These evacuations, and the regimen prescribed
above, will often be sufficient to effect a cure.
Should it, however, happen otherwise, the following
astringent medicines may be used:-
A clyster of starch or fat mutton broth, with thirty
or forty drops of liquid laudanum in it, may be ad-
144
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
ministered once a-day. At the same time an ounce
of gum arabic, and half an ounce of gum-tragacanth,
may be dissolved in an English pint of barley water,
over a slow fire, and a table-spoonful of it taken
every hour.
If these have not the desired effect, the patient
may take, four times a-day, about the bulk of a nut-
meg of the Japonic confection, drinking after it a tea-
cupful of the decoction of logwood.
Persons who have been cured of this disease are
very liable to relapse; to prevent which, great cir-
cumspection with respect to diet is necessary. The
patient must abstain from all fermented liquors, ex-
cept now and then a glass of good wine: but he must
drink no kind of malt liquor. He should likewise
abstain from animal food, as fish and flesh, and live
principally on milk and vegetables.
Gentle exercise and wholesome air are likewise of
importance. The patient should go to the country
as soon as his strength will permit, and he should
take exercise daily on horseback, or in a carriage.
He may likewise use bitters infused in wine or
brandy, and may drink twice a-day a gill of lime-
water mixed with an equal quantity of new milk.
When dysenterics pervail, we would recommend
a strict attention to cleanliness, a spare use of ani-
mal food, and the free use of sound ripe fruits and
other vegetables. The night air must be carefully
avoided, and all communication with the sick. Bad
smells are likewise to be shunned, especially those
which arise from putrid animal substances.
necessaries where the sick go are carefully to be
avoided.
The
When the first symptoms of the dysentery appear,
the patient ought immediately to take a vomit, to
go to bed, and drink plentifully of weak warm li-
quor, to promote a sweat. This, with a dose or two
of rhubarb at the beginning, would often carry off
the disease. In countries where dysenteries pre-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
145
vail, we would advise such as are liable to them, to
take either a vomit or a purge every spring or au-
tuinn, as a preventive.
OF THE HEAD-ACHE.
ACHES and pains proceed from very different causes,
and may affect any part of the body; but we shall
point out those only which occur most frequently,
and are attended with the greatest danger.
When the head-ache is slight, and affects a parti-
cular part of the head only, it is called cephalgia;
when the whole head is affected, cephalœa; and when
one side only, hemicrania. A fixed pain in the fore-
head, which may be covered with the end of the
thumb, is called the clavus hystericus.
There are also other distinctions. Sometimes the
pain is internal, sometimes external; sometimes it
is an original disease, and at other times only symp-
tomatic. When the head-ache proceeds from a
hot bilious habit, the pain is very acute and throb-
bing, with a considerable heat of the part affected.
When from a cold phlegmatic habit, the patient
complains of a dull heavy pain, and has a sense of
coldness in the part. This kind of head-ache is
sometimes attended with a degree of stupidity or
folly. Whatever obstructs the free circulation of
the blood through the vessels of the head, may oc-
casion a head-ache. In persons of a full habit, who
abound with blood, the head-ache often proceeds
from a suppression of customary evacuations; as
bleeding at the nose, sweating of the feet, &c. lt
may likewise proceed from any cause that deter-
mines a great flux of blood towards the head; as
coldness of the extremities, or hanging down of the
head for a long time. Whatever prevents the re-
return of the blood from the head, will likewise oc-
casion a head-ache; as looking long obliquely at
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146
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
one object, wearing any thing tight about the neck,
a new hat, or the like.
When a head-ache proceeds from the stoppage of
a running at the nose, there is a heavy, obtuse pres-
sing pain in the fore-part of the head, in which there
seems to be such a weight, that the patient can
scarcely hold it up. When it is occasioned by the
caustic matter of the venereal disease, it generally
affects the skull, and often produces a caries of the
bones.
Sometimes the head-ache proceeds from the re-
pulsion or retrocession of the gout, the erysipelas,
the small-pox, measles, itch, or other eruptive dis-
eases. What is called a hemicrania generally pro-
ceeds from crudities or indigestion. Inanition, or
emptiness, will occasion head-aches. I have often
seen instances of this in nurses who give suck long,
or who do not take a sufficient quantity of solid
food.
There is likewise a most violent, fixed, constant,
and almost intolerable head-ache, which occasions
great debility both of body and mind, prevents sleep,
destroys the appetite, causes a vertigo, dimness of
sight, a noise in the ears, convulsions, epileptic fits,
and sometimes vomiting, costiveness, coldness of the
extremities, &c.
The head-ache is often symptomatic in continual
and intermitting fevers, especially quartans. It is
likewise a very common symptom in hysteric and
hypochondriac complaints.
When a head-ache attends an acute fever, with
pale urine, it is an unfavourable symptom. In ex-
cessive head-aches, coldness of the extremities is a
bad sign.
When the disease continues long, and is very vi-
olent, it often terminates in blindness, an apoplexy,
deafness, a vertigo, the palsy, or the epilepsy.
In this disease the cool regimen in general is to
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
147
be observed. The diet ought to consist of such emol-
lient substances as will correct the acrimony of
the humours, and keep the body open; as apples
boiled in milk, spinnage, turnips, and such like. The
drink ought to be diluting, as barley-water, infusions
of mild mucilaginous vegetables, decoctions of the
sudorific woods, &c. The feet and legs ought to be
kept warm, and frequently bathed in lukewarm
water; the head should be shaved, and bathed with
vinegar. The patient ought, as much as possible, to
be in an erect posture, and not to lie with his head.
too low.
When the head-ache is owing to excess of blood,
or a hot bilious constitution, bleeding is necessary.
The patient may be bled in the jugular vain, and
the operation repeated if there be occasion. Cup-
ping also, or the application of leeches to the tem-
ples and behind the ears, will be of service. After-
wards a blistering-plaster may be applied to the
neck, behind the ears, or to any part of the head that
is most affected. In some cases it will be proper to
blister the whole head. In persons of a gross habit,
issues, or perpetual blisters, will be of service. The
body ought likewise to be kept open by gentle lax-
atives.
But when the head-ache proceeds from a copious
vitiated serum, stagnating in the membranes, either
within or without the skull, with a dull, heavy, con-
tinual pain, which will neither yield to bleeding nor
gentle laxatives, then more powerful purgatives are
necessary, as pills made of aloes, resign of jalap, or
the like. It will also be necessary in this case to
blister the whole head, and to keep the back part of
the neck open for a considerable time by a perpetual
blister.
When the head-ache is occasioned by the stoppage
of a running nose, the patient should frequently
smell to a bottle of volatile salts: he may likewise
take snuff, or any thing that will irritate the nose,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
so as to promote a discharge from it; as the herb
mastich, ground ivy, &c.
A hemicrania, especially a periodical one, is gen-
erally owing to a foulness of the stomach, for which
gentle vomits must be administered, as also purges.
of rhubarb. After the bowels have been sufficiently
cleared, chalybeate waters, and such bitters as
strengthen the stomach, will be necessary. A pe-
riodical head-ache has been cured by wearing a
piece of flannel over the forehead during the night.
When the head-ache arises from a vitiated state
of the humours, as in the scurvy, and venereal dis-
ease, the patient, after proper evacuations, must
drink freely of the decoction of woods, as the de-
coction of sarsaparilla, with raisins and liquorice.
These if duly persisted in, will produce very happy
effects. When a collection of matter is felt under
the skin, it must be discharged by an incision, other-
wise it will render the bone carious.
When the head-ache is so intolerable as to en-
danger the patient's life, or is attended with conti-
nual watching and delirium, recourse must be had
to opiates. These, after proper evacuations by clys-
ters or mild purgatives, may be applied both ex-
ternally and internally. The affected part may be
rubbed with Bate's anodyne balsam, or a cloth dip-
ped in it may be applied to the part. The patient
may, at the same time, take twenty drops of lau-
danum, in a cup of valerian or penny-royal tea,
twice or thrice a-day. This is only to be done in
case of extreme pain. Proper evacuations ought
always to accompany and follow the use of opiates.
When the patient cannot bear the loss of blood,
his feet ought frequently to be bathed in lukewarm
water, and well rubbed with a coarse cloth.
plasms with mustard or horse-radish ought like-
wise to be applied to them. This course is pecu-
liarly necessary when the pain proceeds from a
gouty humour, affecting the head.
Cata-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
119
When the head-ache is occasioned by great heat,
hard labour, or violent exercise of any kind, it may
be allayed by cooling medicines; as the saline
draught with nitre, and the like.
A little æther dropt into the palm of the hand,
and applied to the forehead, will sometimes re-
move a violent head-ache.
OF THE TOOTH-ACHE.
THIS disease is so well known that it needs no de-
scription. It has great affinity with the rheuma-
tism, and often succeeds pains of the shoulders, and
other parts of the body.
The more immediate cause of the tooth-ache is a
rotten or carious tooth.
In order to relieve the tooth-ache, we must first
endeavour to lessen the flux of humours to the part
affected. This may be done by mild purgatives,
scarifying the gums, or applying leeches to them,
and bathing the feet in warm water.
If this fail, and the pain and inflammation still in-
crease, a suppuration may be expected, to promote
which a toasted fig should be held between the gum
and the cheek; bags filled with boiled camomile
flowers, flowers of elder, or the like, may be applied
near the part affected, with as great a degree of
warmth as the patient can bear, and renewed as they
grow cool.
Many herbs, roots, and seeds, are recommended
for curing the tooth-ache: as the leaves or roots of
millefoil or yarrow chewed, tobacco smoked or
chewed, staves-acre, or the seed of mustard chewed,
&c. These bitter, hot, and pungent things, by oc-
casioning a greater flow of saliva, frequently give
ease in the tooth-ache.
After all, when the tooth is carious, it is often im-
possible to remove the pain without extracting it;
and as a spoiled tooth never becomes sound again, it
150
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
is prudent to draw it soon, lest it should affect the
rest. Tooth-drawing, like bleeding, is very much
practised by mechanics, as well as persons of the
medical profession. The operation, however, is
not without danger, and ought always to be per-
formed with care. A person unacquainted with the
structure of the parts, will be in danger of hurting
the jaw-bone, or of drawing a sound tooth instead
of a rotten one. When a sound tooth has been
drawn, if it be replaced immediately, it will grow
again.
When the tooth-ache returns periodically, and the
pain chiefly affects the gums, it may be cured by
Peruvian bark.
OF THE EAR-ACHE.
THIS disorder chiefly affects the membrane which
lines the inner cavity of the ear, called the meatus
auditorius. It is often so violent as to occasion
great restlessness, anxiety, and even delirium.
Sometimes epileptic fits, and other convulsive dis-
orders, have been brought on by extreme pain in
the ear.
The ear-ache may proceed from any of the causes
which produce inflammation. It often proceeds
from a sudden suppression of perspiration, or from
the head being exposed to cold when covered with
sweat. It may also be occasioned by worms, or
other insects getting into the ear, or being bred
there; or from any hard body sticking in the ear.
Sometimes it proceeds from the translation of mor-
bific matter to the ear. This often happens in the
decline of malignant fevers, and occasions deaf-
ness, which is generally reckoned a favourable.
symptom.
When the ear-ache proceeds from insects, or any
hard body sticking in the ear, every method must
be taken to remove them as soon as possible. The
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
151
membrane may be relaxed by dropping into the ear
oil of sweet almonds, or olive oil. Afterwards the
patient should be made to sneeze, by taking snuff,
or some strong sternutatory. If this should not
force out the body, it must be extracted by art. I
have seen insects, which had got into the ear, come
out of their own accord upon pouring in oil.
When the pain of the ear proceeds from inflam-
mation, it must be treated like other topical inflam-
mations, by a cooling regimen, and opening medi-
cines. The ear may be fomented with the steam
of warm water; or flannel bags filled with boiled
mallows and camomile-flowers may be applied to it
warm; or bladders filled with warm milk and wa-
ter. An exceeding good method of fomenting the
ear is to apply it close to the mouth of a jug filled
with warm water, or a strong decoction of camomile
flowers.
The patient's feet should be frequently bathed in
lukewarm water, and he ought to take small doses
of nitre and rhubarb, viz. a scruple of the former,
and ten grains of the latter, three times a-day. His
drink may be whey, or decoctions of barley and li-
quorice, with figs or raisins. The parts behind the
ear ought frequently to be rubbed with camphorated
oil, or a little of the volatile liniment, and a few
drops of the camphorated spirit of wine may be put
into the ear with wool or cotton. A blister behind
the ear, if applied early, will sometimes remove
this complaint.
When the inflammation cannot be discussed, a
poultice of bread and milk, or roasted onions, may
be applied to the ear, and frequently renewed till
the abscess breaks, or can be opened. Afterwards
the humours may be diverted from the part by gen-
tle laxatives, blisters or issues; but the discharge
must not be suddenly dried up by any external ap-
plication.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
PAIN IN THE STOMACH, &c.
THIS may proceed from various causes, as indiges-
tion; wind; the acrimony of the bile; sharp, acrid,
or poisonous substances taken into the stomach,
&c. It may likewise be occasioned by worms; the
stoppage of customary evacuations; or from a trans-
lation of gouty matter to the stomach, the bowels,
&c.
Women in the decline of life are very liable to
pains of the stomach and bowels, especially such as
are afflicted with hysteric complaints. It is like-
wise very common to hypochondriac men, of a se-
dentary and luxurious life. In such persons it of
ten proves so extremely obstinate as to baffle all the
powers of medicine.
When the pain in the stomach is most violent af-
ter eating, there is reason to suspect that it proceeds
from some fault either in the digestion or the food
In this case the patient ought to change his diet, till
he finds what kind of food agrees best with his sto-
mach, and should continue chiefly to use it. If a
change of diet does not remove the complaint, the
patient may take a gentle vomit, and afterwards a
dose or two of rhubarb. He ought likewise to take
an infusion of camomile-flowers, or some other sto-
machic bitter, either in wine or water. I have of-
ten known exercise remove this complaint, especi-
ally sailing, or a long journey on horseback, or in a
carriage.
When a pain of the stomach proceeds from a
flatulency, the patient is constantly belching up
wind, and feels an uneasy distention of the stomach
after meals. This is a most deplorable disease, and
is seldom thoroughly cured. In general, the patient
ought to avoid all windy diet, and every thing that
sours on the stomach, as greens, roots, &c. This
rule, however, admits of some exceptions. There
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
153
are many instances of persons much troubled with
wind, who have received great benefit from eating
parched pease, though that grain is generally sup-
posed to be of a windy nature.
This complaint may likewise be greatly relieved
by labour, especially digging, reaping, mowing, or
any kind of active employment by which the bow-
els are alternately compressed and dilated.
When a pain of the stomach is occasioned by
the swallowing of acrid or poisonous substances,
they must be discharged by vomit; this may be ex-
cited by butter, oils, or other soft things, which
sheath and defend the stomach from the acrimony
of its contents.
When a pain of the stomach proceeds from a
translation of gouty matter, warm cordials are ne-
cessary, as generous wines, French brandy, &c. It
is impossible to ascertain the quantity necessary
upon these occasions. This must be left to the feel-
ings and discretion of the patient. The safer way,
however, is not to go too far. When there is an in-
clination to vomit, it may be promoted by drinking
an infusion of camomile-flowers, or carduus bene-
dictus.
When the stomach is greatly relaxed, and the di-
gestion bad, which often occasion flatulencies, the
elixir of vitriol will be of singular service. Fifteen
or twenty drops of it may be taken in a glass of wine
or water, twice or thrice a-day,
OF WORMS.
J
THESE are chiefly of three kinds, viz. the tœnia, or
tape-worm; the teres, or round and long worm; and
the ascarides, or round and short worm. There are
many other kinds of worms found in the human bo-
dy; but as they proceed in a great measure from
similar causes, have nearly the same symptoms,
and require almost the same method of treatment,
t
154
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
as those already mentioned, we shall not spend time
in enumerating them.
The tape-worm is white, very long, and full of
joints. It is generally bred either in the stomach
or small intestines. The round and long worm is
likewise bred in the small guts, and sometimes in
the stomach. The round and short worms com-
monly lodge in the rectum, or what is called the end-
gut, and occasion a disagreeable itching about the
seat.
The long round worms occasion qualmishness,
vomiting, a disagreeable breath, gripes, looseness,
swelling of the belly, swoonings, loathing of food,
and at other times a voracious appetite, a dry cough,
convulsions, epileptic fits, and sometimes a priva-
tion of speech. These worms have been known to
perforate the intestines, and get into the cavity of
the belly. The effects of the tape-worm are nearly
the same with those of the long and round, but ra-
ther more violent.
Andry says, the following symptoms particular-
ly attend the solium, which is a species of the tape-
worm, viz. swoonings, privation of speech, and a
voracious appetite. The round worms called asca-
rides, besides an itching of the anus, cause swoon-
ings, and tenesmus, or an inclination to go to
stool.
CAUSES.-Worms may proceed from various cau-
ses; but they are seldom found except in weak and
relaxed stomachs, where the digestion is bad. Se-
dentary persons are more liable to them than the
active and laborious. Those who eat great quanti-
ties of unripe fruit, or who live much on raw herbs
and roots, are generally subject to worms.
seems to be an hereditary disposition, in some per-
sons to this disease. I have often seen all the chil-
dren of a family subject to worms of a particular
kind. They seem likewise frequently to be owing
to the nurse. Children of the same family nursed
There
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
155
by one woman have often worms, when those nursed
by another have none.
SYMPTOMS.-The common symptoms of worms
are, paleness of the countenance, and, at other times,
an universal flushing of the face; itching of the
nose; (this, however, is doubtful, as children pick
their noses in all diseases;) starting and grinding of
the teeth in sleep; swelling of the upper lip; the
appetite sometimes bad and at other times vora-
cious; looseness; a sour or stinking breath; a hard
swelled belly; great thirst; the urine frothy, and
sometimes of a whitish colour; griping, or colic
pains; an involuntary discharge of saliva, especial-
ly when asleep; frequent pains of the side, with a
dry cough, and unequal pulse; palpitations of the
heart; swoonings; drowsiness; cold sweats; palsy;
epileptic fits, with many other unaccountable ner-
vous symptoms, which were formerly attributed to
witchcraft, or the influence of evil spirits. Small
bodies in the excrements resembling melon or eu-
cumber seeds are symptoms of the tape-worm.
There is no certain symptom of worms but passing
them.
MEDICINE.-Though numberless medicines are
extolled for expelling and killing worms, yet no dis-
ease more frequently baffles the physician's skill.
In general, the most proper medicines for their ex-
pulsion are strong purgatives; and to prevent their
breeding, stomachic bitters, with now and then a
glass of good wine.
The best purge for an adult is jalap and calomel.
Five-and-twenty or thirty grains of the former, with
six or seven of the latter, mixed in syrup, may be
taken early in the morning for a dose. It will be
proper that the patient keep the house all day, and
drink nothing cold. The dose may be repeated
once or twice a-week, for a fortnight or three weeks.
On the intermediate days, the patient may take a
156
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
drachm of the filings of tin, twice or thrice a-day,
mixed with syrup, honey, or treacle.
Those who do not choose to take calomel, may
make use of the bitter purgatives; as aloes, hiera-
picra, tincture of senna, and rhubarb, &c.
Oily medicines are sometimes found beneficial
for expelling worms. An ounce of salad oil, and a
table-spoonful of common salt, may be taken in a
glass of red port wine thrice a-day, or oftener if the
stomach will bear it. But the more common form
of using oil is in clysters. Oily clysters, sweetened
with sugar or honey, are very efficacious in bring-
ing away the short round worms called ascarides, and
likewise the teres.
The Harrogate water is an excellent medicine for
expelling worms, especially the ascarides. As this
water is impregnated with sulphur, we hence infer
that sulphur alone must be good medicine in this
case, which is found to be a fact. Many practition-
ers give flour of sulphur in very large doses, and
with great success. It should be made into an elec-
tuary with honey or treacle, and taken in such quan-
tity as to purge the patient.
Where Harrogate water cannot be obtained, sea-
water may be used, which is far from being a con-
temptible medicine in this case. If sea-water can-
not be had, common salt dissolved in water may be
drunk. I have often seen this used by country nur-
ses with very good effect. Some flower of sulphur
may be taken over-night, and the salt-water in the
morning.
But worms, though expelled, will soon breed again
if the stomach remain weak and relaxed; to prevent
which, we would recommend the Peruvian bark.
Half a drachm of bark in powder may be taken in
a glass of red port wine three or four times a-day,
after the above medicines have been used. Lime-
water is likewise good for this purpose, or a table-
spoonful of the chalybeate wine taken twice or thrice
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
157
a-day. Infusions or decoctions of bitter herbs may
likewise be drunk; as the infusion of tansy, water
trefoil, camomile-flowers, tops of wormwood, the
lesser centaury, &c.
The above directions are intended for adults; but
for children the medicines must be more agreeable,
and in smaller doses. For a child of four or five
years old, six grains of rhubarb, five of jalap, and
two of calomel, may be mixed in a spoonful of sy-
rup or honey, and given in the morning. The child
should keep the house all day, and take nothing cold.
This dose may be repeated twice a-week for three
or four weeks. On the intermediate days, the child
may take a scruple of powdered tin, and ten grains
of Ethiop's mineral, in a spoonful of treacle, twice
a-day. This dose must be increased or diminished
according to the age of the patient.
I have frequently known those big bellies which,
in children, are commonly reckoned a sign of worms,
quite removed by giving them white soap in their
pottage, or other food. Tansy, garlic, and rue, are
all good against worms, and may be used in various
ways.
OF THE JAUNDICE.
This disease is first observable in the white of the
eye, which appears yellow. Afterwards the whole
skin puts on a yellow appearance.
The urine too
is of a saffron hue, and dyes a white cloth, if put in-
to it, of the same colour. There is likewise a spe-
cies of this disease called the Black Jaundice.
CAUSES. The immediate cause of the jaundice is
an obstruction of the bile. The remote or occa-
sional causes are, the bites of poisonous animals, as
the viper, mad-dog, &c. the bilious or hysteric co-
lic; violent passions, as grief, anger, &c. Strong
purges or vomits will likewise occasion the jaun-
dice. Sometimes it proceeds from obstinate agues,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
or from that disease being prematurely stopped by
astringent medicines. In infants, it is often occa-
sioned by the meconium not being sufficiently purg-
ed off. Pregnant women are very subject to it. It
is likewise a symptom in several kinds of fever.
Catching cold, or the stoppage of the customary
evacuations, as the menses, the bleeding piles, issues,
&c. will occasion the jaundice.
SYMPTOMS. The patient at first complains of
excessive weariness, and has great aversion to every
kind of motion. His skin is dry, and he generally
feels a kind of itching or pricking pain over the
whole body. The stools are of a whitish or clay co-
lour, and the urine, as was observed above, is yel-
low. The breathing is difficult, and the patient
complains of an unusual load or oppression on his
breast. There is a heat in the nostrils, a bitter taste
in the mouth, loathing of food, sickness of the sto-
mach, vomiting, flatulency, and other symptoms of
indigestion.
If the patient be young, and the disease compli-
eated with no other malady, it is seldom dangerous;
but in old people, where it continues long, returns
frequently, or is complicated with the dropsy or hy-
pochondriac symptoms, it generally proves fatal.
The black jaundice is more dangerous than the yel-
low.
REGIMEN.-The diet should be cool, light, and di-
luting, consisting chiefly of ripe fruits and mild ve-
getables; as apples boiled or roasted, stewed prunes,
preserved plums, boiled spinage, &c. Veal or
chicken-broth, with light bread, are likewise very
proper. Many have been cured by living almost
wholly for some days on raw eggs. The drink should
be butter-milk, whey sweetened with honey, or de-
coctions of cool opening vegetables; as marsh-mal-
low roots, with liquorice, &c.
The patient should take as much exercise as he
can bear, either on horseback or in a carriage;
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
159
walking, running, and even jumping, are likewise
proper, provided he can bear them without pain,
and there be no symptoms of inflammation. Pa-
tients have been often cured of this disease by a
long journey, after medicines had proved ineffec-
tual.
Amusements are likewise of great use in the jaun-
dice. The disease is often occasioned by a seden-
tary life, joined to a dull melancholy disposition.
Whatever therefore tends to promote the circula-
tion, and to cheer the spirits, must have a good ef-
feet; as dancing, laughing, singing, &c.
MEDICINE. If the patient be young, of a full san-
guine habit, and complains of pain in the right side,
about the region of the liver, bleeding will be ne-
cessary. After this, a vomit must be administered
and if the disease proves obstinate, it may be re-
peated once or twice. No medicines are more bene-
ficial in the jaundice than vomits, especially where
it is not attended with inflammation. Halfa drachm
of ipecacuanha in powder will be a sufficient dose
for an adult. It may be wrought off with weak camo-
mile tea, or lukewarm water. The body must like-
wise be kept open by taking a sufficient quan-
tity of Castile soap.
Fomenting the parts about the region of the sto-
mach and liver, and rubbing them with a warm
hand or flesh-brush, are likewise beneficial; but it
is still more so for the patient to sit in a bath of
warm water up to the breast. He ought to do this
frequently, and should continue in it as long as his
strength will permit.
I have known Harrogate sulphur water cure jaun-
dice of very long standing. It should be used for
some weeks, and the patient must both drink and
bathe.
The soluble tartar is a very proper medicine in
the jaundice. A drachm of it may be taken every
night and morning in a cup of tea or water-gruel,
40
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
If it does not open the body, the dose may be in-
creased.
Persons subject to the jaundice ought to take as
much exercise as possible, and to avoid all heating
and astringent aliment.
OF THE DROPSY.
THE dropsy is a preternatural swelling of the whole
body, or some part of it, occasioned by a collection
of watery humour. It is distinguished by different
names, according to the part affected, as the anasar-
ca, or a collection of water under the skin; the as-
cites, or a collection of water in the belly; the hy-
drops pectoris, or dropsy of the breast; the hydroce-
phalus, or dropsy of the brain, &c.
CAUSES.-The dropsy is often owing to an here-
ditary disposition. It may likewise proceed from
drinking ardent spirits, or other strong liquors. It
is true, almost to a proverb, that great drinkers die
of a dropsy. The want of exercise is also a very
common cause of the dropsy. Hence it is justly
reckoned among the diseases of the sedentary. It
often proceeds from excessive evacuations, as fre-
quent and copious bleedings, strong purges often
repeated, frequent salivations, &c. The sudden
stoppage of customary or necessary evacuations, as
the menses, the hemorrhoids, fluxes of the belly,
&c. may likewise cause a dropsy.
I have known the dropsy occasioned by drinking
large quantities of cold weak watery liquor, when
the body was heated by violent exercise. A low,
damp or marshy situation is likewise a frequent
cause of it. Hence it is a common disease in moist,
flat, fenny countries. It may also be brought on
by a long use of poor watery diet, or of viscous.
aliment that is hard of digestion. It is often the ef-
fct of other diseases, as the jaundice, a schirrus
of the liver, a violent ague of long continuance,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
161
diarrhoea, a dysentery, an empyema, or a consump-
tion of the lungs. In short, whatever obstructs the
perspiration or prevents the blood from being duly
prepared, may occasion a dropsy.
SYMPTOMS.-The anasarca generally begins with a
swelling of the feet and ancles towards night, which,
for some time disappears in the morning. In the
evening the parts, if pressed with the finger, will pit.
The swelling gradually ascends, and occupies the
trunk of the body, the arms, and the head. After-
wards the breathing becomes difficult, the urine is
in small quantity, and the thirst great; the body is
bound, and the perspiration is greatly obstructed.
To these, succeed torpor, heaviness, a slow wasting
fever, and a troublesome cough. This last is gen-
erally a fatal symptom, as it shows that the lungs
are affected.
In an ascetis, besides the above symptoms, there
is a swelling of the belly, and often a fluctuation,
which may be perceived by striking the belly on
one side, and laying the hand on the opposite
side. This may be distinguished from a tym-
pany, by the weight of the swelling, as well as by
the fluctuation. When the anasarca and ascites are
combined, the case is very dangerous.
Even a
simple ascites seldom admits of a radical cure. Al-
most all that can be done is, to let off the water by
tapping, which seldom affords more than a tempo-
rary relief.
When the disease comes suddenly on, and the pa-
tient is young and strong, there is reason to hope
for a cure, especially if medicine be given early.
But if the patient be old, has led an irregular or a
sedentary life, or if there be reason to suspect that
the liver, lungs, or any of the viscera are unsound,
there is great reason to fear that the consequences
will prove fatal.
REGIMEN.-The patient must abstain, as much
as possible, from all drink, especially weak and wa-
179
L
162
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
tery liquors, and must quench his thirst with mus-
tard-whey, or acids, as juice of lemons, oranges,
sorrel, or such like. His aliment ought to be dry,
of a stimulating and diuretic quality, as toasted
bread, the flesh of birds or other wild animals,
roasted; pungent and aromatic vegetables, as gar-
lic, mustard, onions, cresses, horse-radish, rocam-
bole, shalot, &c. He may also eat sea-biscuits dip-
ped in wine or a little brandy. This is not only
nourishing, but tends to quench the thirst. Some
have been actually cured of a dropsy by a total ab-
stinence from all liquids, and living entirely upon
such things as are nientioned above. If the patient
must have drink, the Spa-water, or Rhenish wine,
with diuretic medicines infused in it, are the best.
Exercise is of the greatest importance in the drop-
sy. If the patient be able to walk, dig, or the like,
he ought to continue these exercises as long as he
can. If he be not able to walk or labour, he must
ride on horseback, or in a carriage; and the more
violent the motion, so much the better, provided he
can bear it. His bed ought to be hard, and the air
of his apartment warm and dry. If he live in a
damp country, he ought to be removed into a dry
one, and if possible into a warmer climate. In a
word, every method should be taken to promote the
perspiration, and to brace the solids. For this pur-
pose it will likewise be proper to rub the patient's
body two or three times a day, with a hard cloth, or
the flesh-brush; and he ought constantly to wear
flannel next his skin.
MEDICINE. If the patient be young, his consti-
tution good, and the disease has come on suddenly,
it may generally be removed by strong voinits, brisk
purges, and such medicines as promote a discharge
by sweat and urine. For an adult, half a drachm
of ipecacuanha in powder, and half an ounce of
oxyinel of squills, will be a proper vomit. This
may be repeated as often as is found necessary,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
103
three or four days intervening between the doses.
The patient must not drink much after taking
the vomit, otherwise he destroys its effect. A cup
or two of camomile tea will be sufficient to work
it off.
Between each vomit, on one of the intermediate
days, the patient may take the following purge:
Jalap in powder, half a drachm; cream of tartar, two
drachms; calomel, six grains. These may be made
into a bolus with a little syrup of pale roses, and ta-
ken early in the morning. The less the patient
drinks after it the better. If he be much griped,
he may now and then take a cup of chicken-
broth.
The patient may likewise take, every night at
bed-time, the following bolus: to four or five grains
of camphire add one grain of opium, and as much
syrup of orange peel as is sufficient to make them
into a bolus. This will generally promote a gentle
sweat, which should be encouraged by drinking now
and then a small cup of wine-whey, with a tea-spoon-
ful of the spirits of hartshorn in it. A tea-cupful of
the following diuretic infusion may likewise be ta-
ken every four or five hours through the day: Take
juniper-berries, mustard-seed, and horse-radish, of
each half an ounce; ashes of broom, half a pound;
infuse them in a quart of Rhenish wine or strong
ale for a few days, and afterwards strain off the li-
quor. Such as cannot take this infusion, may use
the decoction of seneka root, which is both diuretic
and sudorific. I have known an obstinate anasarca
cured by an infusion of the ashes of broom in wine.
The above course will often cure an incidental
dropsy, if the constitution be good; but when the
disease proceeds from a bad habit, or an unsound
state of the viscera, strong purges and vomits are
not to be ventured upon. In this case, the safer
course is to palliate the symptoms by the use of such
nedicines as promote the secretions, and to support
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BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
the patient's strength by warm and nourishing cor-
dials.
The secretion of urine may be greatly promoted
by nitre. Brookes says, he knew a young woman
who was cured of a dropsy by taking a grain of
nitre every morning in a draught of ale, after she
had been given over as incurable. The powder of
squills is likewise a good diuretic. Six or eight
grains of it, with a scruple of nitre, may be given in
a glass of strong cinnamon water. Ball says, 3
large spoonful of unbruised mustard-seed, taken
every night and morning, and drinking half an
English pint of the decoction of the tops of green
broom after it, has performed a cure, after other
powerful medicines have proved ineffectual.
OF THE GOUT.
THERE is no disease which shows the imperfection
of medicine, or sets the advantages of temperance
and exercise in a stronger light, than the gout.
Excess and idleness are the true sources from whence
it originally sprung, and all who would avoid it must
be active and temperate.
Though idleness and intemperance are the prin-
cipal causes of the gout, yet many other things may
contribute to bring on the disorder in those who are
subject to it; as intense study; excess of venery;
too free an use of acidulated liquors; night-watch-
ing; grief or uneasiness of mind; and obstruction
or defect of any of the customary discharges, as the
menses, sweating of the feet, perspiration, &c.
SYMPTOMS.-A fit of the gout is generally pre-
ceded by indigestion, drowsiness, belching of wind,
slight head-ache, sickness, and sometimes vomiting.
The patient complains of weariness and dejection of
spirits, and has often a pain in the limbs, with a
sensation as if wind or cold water were passing down
the thigh. The appetite is often remarkably keen,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
165
a day or two before the fit, and there is a slight pain
in passing urine, and frequently an involuntry shed-
ding of tears. Sometimes these symptoms are much
more violent, especially upon the near approach of
the fit; and it has been observed, that as is the fever
which ushers in the gout, so will the fit be; if the
fever be short and sharp, the fit will be so likewise;
if it be feeble, long, and lingering, the fit will be
such also. But this observation can only bold with
respect to very regular fits of the gout.
The regular gout generally makes its attack in
the spring or beginning of winter, in the following
manner; About two or three in the morning, the
patient is seized with a pain in his great toe, some-
times in the heel, and at other times in the ancle or
calf of the leg. This pain is accompanied with a
sensation as if cold water were poured upon the
part, which is succeeded by a shivering, with some
degree of fever. Afterwards the pain increases, and
fixing among the small bones of the foot, the patient
feels all the different kinds of torture, as if the part
were stretched, burnt, squeezed, gnawed, or torn in
pieces. The part at length becomes so exquisitely
sensible, that the patient cannot bear to have it
touched, or even suffer any person to walk across
the room.
The patient is generally in exquisite torture for
twenty-four hours, from the time of the coming on
of a fit: he then becomes easier, the part begins to
swell, appears red, and is covered with a little mois-
ture. Towards morning he drops asleep, and gen-
erally falls into a gentle breathing sweat. This ter-
minates the first paroxysm, a number of which con-
stitute a fit of the gout; which is longer or shorter
according to the patient's age, strength, and season
of the year, and the disposition of the body to this
disease.
The patient is always worse towards night, and
easier in the morning. The paroxysms, however,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
generally grow milder every day, till at length the
disease is carried off by perspiration, urine, and the
other evacuations. In some patients this happens
in a few days; in others, it requires weeks, and in
some months, to finish the fit. Those whom age and
frequent fits of the gout have greatly debilitated,
seldom get free from it before the approach of sum-
mer, and sometimes not till it be pretty far advanced.
REGIMEN.-As there are no medicines yet known
that will cure the gout, we shall confine our obser-
vations chiefly to regimen, both in and out of the
fit.
In the fit, if the patient be young and strong, his
diet ought to be thin and cooling, and his drink
of a diluting nature; but where the constitution is
weak, and the patient has been accustomed to live
high, this is not a proper time to retrench. In this
case he must keep nearly to his usual diet, and
should take frequently a cup of strong negus, or a
glass of generous wine. Wine-whey is a very pro-
per drink in this case, as it promotes the perspiration
without greatly heating the patient. It will answer
this purpose better if a tea-spoonful of sal volatile
oleosum, or spirits of hartshorn, be put into a cup
of
it twice a-day. It will likewise be proper to give at
bed-time a tea-spoonful of the volatile tincture of
guaiacum, in a large draught of warm wine-whey.
This will greatly promote perspiration through the
night.
As the most safe and efficacious method of dis-
charging the gouty matter is by perspiration, this
ought to be kept up by all means, especially in the
affected part. For this purpose the leg and foot
should be wrapt in soft flannel, fur, or wool. The
last is most readily obtained, and seems to answer
the purpose better than any thing else. The people
of Lancashire look upon wool as a kind of specific
in the gout. They wrap a great quantity of it about
the leg and foot affected, and cover it with a skin of
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
167
dressed leather. This they suffer to continue for
eight or ten days, and sometimes for a fortnight or
three weeks, if the pain does not cease. I never
knew any external application answer so well in the
gout. I have often seen it applied when the swell-
ing and inflammation were very great, with violent
pain, and have found all these symptoms relieved
by it in a few days. The wool which they generally
use is greased, and carded, or combed. They choose
the softest which can be had, and seldom or never
remove it till the fit be entirely gone off.
When the pain, however, is very great, and the
patient is restless, thirty or forty drops of laudanum,
more or less according to the violence of the symp-
toms, may be taken at bed-time. This will ease the
pain, procure rest, promote perspiration, and for-
ward the crisis of the disease.
After the fit is over, the patient ought to take a
gentle dose or two of the bitter tincture of rhubarb,
or some other warm stomachic purge. He should
also drink a weak infusion of stomachic bitters in
small wine or ale, as the Peruvian bark with cin-
namon, Virginian snake root, and orange-peel. The
diet at this time should be light but nourishing, and
gentle exercise ought to be taken on horseback, or
in a carriage.
Out of the fit, it is in the patient's power to do many
things towards preventing a return of the diosrder,
or rendering the fit, if it should return, less severe.
This, however, is not to be attempted by medicine.
I have frequently known the gout kept off for several
years by the Peruvian bark and other astringent
medicines; but in all the cases where I had occasion
to see this tried, the person died suddenly, and to all
appearance for want of a regular fit of the gout.
One would be apt, from hence, to conclude, that a
fit of the gout, to some constitutions in the decline
of life, is rather salutary than burtful.
The course which we would recommend for pre-
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
venting the gout, is as follows: In the first place,
universal temperance. In the next place, sufficient
exercise. By this we do not mean sauntering about
in an indolent manner, but labour, sweat, and toil.
These only can render the humours wholesome, and
keep them so. Going early to bed, and rising be-
times, are also of great importance. It is likewise
proper to avoid night studies and intense thinking.
The supper should be light and taken early. The
use of milk, gradually increased, till it becomes the
rincipal part of diet, is particularly recommended.
All strong liquors, especially generous wines and
sour punch, are to be avoided.
OF THE RHEUMATISM.
THIS disease has often a resemblance to the gout.
It generally attacks the joints with exquisite pain,
and is sometimes attended with inflammation and
swelling. It is most common in spring, and towards
the end of autumn. It is usually distinguished into
acute and chronic; or the rheumatism with and
without a fever.
CAUSES-The causes of a rheumatism are frequent-
ly the same as those of an inflammatory fever, viz.
an obstructed perspiration, the immoderate use of
strong liquors, and the like. Sudden changes of the
weather, and all quick transitions from heat to cold,
are very apt to occasion the rheumatism. The most
extraordinary case of a rheumatism that ever I saw
where almost every joint in the body was distorted.
was a man who used to work one part of the day by
the fire, and the other part in the water. Very
obstinate rheumatisms have likewise been brought
on by persons, not accustomed to it, allowing their
feet to continue long wet. The same effects are
often produced by wet clothes, damp beds, sitting
or lying on the damp ground, travelling in the night,
&c.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
169
The rheumatism may likewise be occasioned by
excessive evacuations, or the stoppage of customa-
ry discharges. It is often the effect of chronic dis-
eases, which vitiate the humours; as the scurvy,
the lues venerea, obstinate autumnal agues, &c.
The rheumatism prevails in cold, damp, marshy
countries. It is most common among the poorer
sorts of peasants, who are ill clothed, live in low
damp houses, and eat coarse and unwholesome food,
which contains but little nourishment, and is not
easily digested.
SYMPTOMS.-The acute rheumatism commonly
begins with weariness, shivering, a quick pulse,
restlessness, and other symptoms of fever. After-
wards the patient complains of flying pains, which
are increased by the least motion. These at length
fix in the joints, which are often affected with swel-
ling and inflammation. If the blood be let in this
disease, it has generally the same appearance as in
the pleurisy.
In this kind of rheumatism the treatment of the
patient is nearly the same as in acute or inflamma-
tory fever. If he be young and strong, bleeding is
necessary, which may be repeated according to the
exigencies of the case. The body ought likewise to
be kept open by emollient clysters, or cool opening
liquors; as decoctions of tamarinds, cream of tar-
tar, whey, senna tea, and the like. The diet should
be light, and in small quantity, consisting chiefly
of roasted apples, groat-gruel, or weak chicken-
broth. After the feverish symptoms have abated,
if the pain still continues, the patient must keep his
bed, and take such things as promote perspiration;
as winew-hey, with spiritus mendereri, &c. He may
likewise take for a few nights, at bed-time, in a cup
of wine-whey, a drachm of the cream of tartar, and
half a drachm of gum guaiacum in powder.
Warm bathing, after proper evacuations, has of-
ten an exceeding good effect. The patient may ei-
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
ther be put into a bath of warm water, or have
cloths wrung out of it applied to the parts affected.
Great care must be taken that he do not catch cold
after bathing.
The chronic rheumatism is seldom attended with
any considerable degree of fever, and is generally
confined to some particular part of the body, as the
shoulders, the back, or the loins. There is seldom
any inflammation or swelling in this case. Persons
in the decline of life are most subject to the chronic
rheumatism. In such patients it often proves ex-
tremely obstinate, and sometimes incurable.
In this kind of rheumatism the regimen should be
nearly the same as in the acute. Cool and diluting
diet, consisting chiefly of vegetable substances, as
stewed prunes, coddled apples, currants or goose-
berries boiled in milk, is most proper. Arbuthnot
says, If there be a specific in aliment for the rheu-
matism, it is certainly whey;' and adds,' That be
knew a person subject to this disease, who could ne-
ver be cured by any other method but a diet of whey
and bread.' He likewise says, 'That cream of tar-
tar in water-gruel, taken for several days, will ease
rheumatic pains considerably.' This I have often
experienced, but found it always more efficacious
when joined with gum guaiacum, as already direct-
ed. In this case the patient may take the dose for-
merly mentioned, twice a-day, and likewise a tea-
spoonful of the volatile tincture of gum guaiacum
at bed-time in wine-whey.
This course may be continued for a week, or lon-
ger, if the case proves obstinate, and the patient's
strength will permit. It ought then to be omitted
for a few days, and repeated again. At the same
time leeches, or a blistering-plaster, may be applied
to the part affected. What I have generally found
answer better than either of these, in obstinate fixed
rheumatic pains, is the warm plaster. I have like-
wise known a plaster of Burgundy pitch worn for
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
171
some time on the part affected, give great relief in
rheumatic pains.
Cold bathing, especially in salt water, often cures
the rheumatism. We would also recommend riding
on horseback, and wearing flannel next the skin.
Issues are likewise very proper, especially in chro-
nic cases. If the pain affects the shoulders, an is-
sue may be made in the arm; but if it affects the
loins, it should be put into the leg or thigh.
OF THE SCURVY.
THIS disease prevails chiefly in cold northern coun-
tries; especially in low, damp situations, near large
marshes or great quantities of stagnating water. Se-
dentary people, of a dull melancholy disposition,
are most subject to it. It proves often fatal to sail-
ors on long voyages, particularly in ships that are
not properly ventilated, have many people on board,
or where cleanliness is neglected.
It is not necessary to mention the different spe-
cies into which this disease has been divided, as
they differ from one another chiefly in degree. What
is called the land scurvy, however, is seldom attend-
ed with those highly putrid symptoms which ap-
pear in patients who have been long at sea, and
which, we presume, are rather owing to confined air,
want of exercise, and the unwholesome food eaten
by sailors on long voyages, than to any specific dif-
ference in the disease.
CAUSES. The scurvy is occasioned by cold moist
air; by the long use of salted or smoke-dried pro-
visions; or any kind of food that is hard of diges-
tion, and affords little nourishment. It may also
proceed from the suppression of customary evacua-
tions, as the menses, the hæmorrhoidal flux, &c. It
is sometimes owing to an hereditary taint, in which
case a very small cause will excite the latent disor-
der. Grief, fear, and other depressing passions,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
have a great tendency both to excite and aggravate
this disease. The same observation holds with re-
gard to neglect of cleanliness; bad clothing; the
want of proper exercise; confined air; unwholesome
food; or any disease which greatly weakens the bo-
dy or vitiates the humours.
SYMPTOMS.-This disease may be known by un-
usual weariness, heaviness, and difficulty of breath-
ing, especially after motion; rottenness of the gums
which are apt to bleed on the slightest touch; a
stinking breath; frequent bleeding at the nose;
crackling of the joints; difficulty of walking; some-
times a swelling and sometimes a falling away of the
legs, on which there are livid, yellow, or violet-co-
loured spots; the face is generally of a pale or leaden
colour. As the disease advances, other symptoms
come on; as rottenness of the teeth; hæmorrhages,
or discharges of blood from different parts of the
body, foul obstinate ulcers, pains in various parts,
especially about the breast; dry scaly eruptions all
over the body, &c. At last a wasting hectic fever
comes on, and the miserable patient is carried off
by a dysentery, a diarrhoea, a dropsy, the palsy,
fainting fits, or a mortification of soine of the bow-
els.
CURE. We know no way of curing this disease
but by pursuing a plan directly opposite to that
which brings it on. It proceeds from a vitiated state
of the humours, occasioned by errors in diet, air,
and exercise; and this cannot be removed but by a
proper attention to these important articles.
When the scurvy has been brought on by a long
use of salted provisions, the proper medicine is a diet
consisting chiefly of fresh vegetables; as oranges,
apples, lemons, limes, tamarinds, water-cresses, scur-
vy-grass, brook-lime, &c. The use of these, with
milk, pot-herbs, new bread, and fresh beer or cider,
will seldom fail to remove a scurvy of this kind, if
taken before it be too far advanced; but, to have this
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
173
effect, they must be persisted in for a considerable
time. When fresh vegetables cannot be obtained,
pickled or preserved ones may be used; and where
these are wanting, recourse may be had to the chy-
mical acids. All the patient's food and drink should
in this case be sharpened with cream of tartar, elixir
of vitriol, vinegar, or the spirits of sea-salt.
These things, however, will more certainly prevent
than cure the scurvy; for which reason, sea-faring
people, especially in long voyages, ought to lay in
plenty of them. Cabbages, onions, gooseberries,
and many other vegetables, may be kept a long time
by pickling, preserving, &c.
The most proper drink in the scurvy is whey or
butter-milk. When these cannot be had, sound ci-
der, perry, or spruce-beer, may be used. Wort has
likewise been found to be a proper drink in the
scurvy, and may be used at sea, as malt will keep
during the longest voyage. A decoction of the tops
of spruce-fir is likewise proper. It may be drunk
in the quantity of an English pint twice a-day. Tar-
water may be used for the same purpose, or decoc-
tions of the mild mucilaginous vegetables; as sarsa-
parilla, marsh-mallow roots, &c. Infusions of the
bitter plants, as ground-ivy, the lesser centaury,
marsh-trefoil, &c. are likewise beneficial. I have
seen the peasants in some parts of Britain express
the juice of the last mentioned plant, and drink
it with good effect in those foul scorbutic eruptions
with which they are often troubled in the spring
season.
Harrogate water is certainly an excellent medi-
cine in the land scurvy. I have often seen patients,
who had been reduced to the most deplorable con-
dition by this disease, greatly relieved by drinking
the sulphur-water, and bathing in it. The chaly-
beate water may also be used with advantage, espe-
cially with a view to brace the stomach after drink-
ing the sulphur-water, which though it sharpen the
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
appetite, never fails to weaken the power of diges-
tion.
A slight degree of scurvy may be carried off by
frequently sucking a little of the juice of a bitter
orange or a lemon. When the disease affects the
gums only, this practice, if continued for some time,
will generally carry it off.
All kinds of salad are good in the scurvy, and
ought to be eaten very plentifully, as spinage, let-
tuce, parsley, celery, endive, radish, dandelion, &c.
I have sometimes seen good effects, in scorbutic
complaints of very long standing, from the use of a
decoction of the roots of water-dock. It is usually
made by boiling a pound of the fresh root in six
English pints of water, till about one third of it be
consumed. The dose is from half a pint to a whole
pint of the decoction every day. But in all cases
where I have seen it prove beneficial, it was made.
much stronger and drunk in large quantities. The
safest way, however, is for the patient to begin with
small doses, and increase them both in strength and
quantity as he finds his stomach will bear it. It
must be used for a considerable time.
OF THE SCROFULA, OR KING'S EVIL.
This disease chiefly affects the glands, especially
those of the neck. Children, and young persons of
a sedentary life, are very subject to it. It is one of
those diseases which may be removed by proper re-
gimen, but seldom yields to medicine. The inhabi-
tants of cold, damp, marshy countries, are most lia-
ble to the scrofula.
CAUSES. This disease may proceed from a here-
ditary taint, infection, a scrofulous nurse, &c. Chil-
dren who have the misfortune to be born of sickly
parents, whose constitutions have been greatly in-
jured by the pox, or other chronic diseases, are apt
to be affected with the scrofula. It may likewise
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
175
proceed from such diseases as weaken the habit
or vitiate the humours, as the small pox, measles,
&c. External injuries, as blows, bruises, and
the like, sometimes produce scrofulous ulcers;
but we have reason to believe, when this hap-
pens, that there has been a predisposition in the ha-
bit to this disease. In short, whatever tends to vi-
tiate the humours or relax the solids, paves the way
to the scrofula; as the want of proper exercise, too
much heat or cold, confined air, unwholesome food,
bad water, the long use of poor weak watery aliments,
the neglect of cleanliness, &c. Nothing tends more
to induce this disease in children than allowing them
to continue long wet.
-
SYMPTOMS. At first, small knots appear under
the chin, or behind the ears, which gradually in-
crease in number and size, till they form one large
hard tumour. This often continues for a long time
without breaking, and when it does break, it only
discharges a thin sanies, or watery humour. Other
parts of the body are likewise liable to its attack, as
the arm-pits, groin, feet, hands, eyes, breast, &c.
Nor are the internal parts exempt from it. It often
affects the lungs, liver, or spleen, and I have fre-
quently seen the glands of the mysentery greatly
enlarged by it.
Those obstinate ulcers which break out upon the
feet and hands, with swelling, and little or no red-
ness, are of the scrofulous kind. They seldom dis-
charge good matter, and are exceedingly difficult
to cure. The white swellings of the joints seem like-
wise to be of this kind. They are with difficulty
brought to a suppuration, and, when opened, they
only discharge a thin ichor. There is not a more
general symptom of the scrofula than a swelling of
the upper lip and nose. It sometimes begins in a
toe or finger, which continues long swelled, with
no great degree of pain, till the bone becomes ca-
I
rious.
176
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
REGIMEN. As this disease proceeds, in a great
measure, from a relaxation, the diet ought to be ge-
nerous and nourishing, but at the same time light
and of easy digestion; as well fermented bread made
of sound grain, the flesh and broth of young animals,
with now and then a glass of generous wine or good
ale. The air ought to be open, dry, and not too cold,
and the patient should take as much exercise as he
can bear. This is of the utmost importance. Child-
ren who have sufficient exercise are seldom troubled
with the scrofula.
MEDICINE-The vulgar are remarkably credulous
with regard to the cure of the scrofula; many of
them believing in the virtue of the royal touch, that
of the seventh son, &c. The truth is, we know but
little of the nature or cure of this disease, and where
reason or medicine fail, superstition always comes
in their place. Hence it is, that in diseases which
are the most difficult to understand, we generally
hear of the greatest number of miraculous cures be-
ing performed. Here, however, the deception is ea-
sily accounted for. The scrofula, at a certain pe-
riod of life, often cures of itself; and if the patient
happens to be touched about this time, the cure is
imputed to the touch, and not to nature, who is real-
ly the physician. In the same way the insignificant
nostrums of quacks and old women often gain ap-
plause when they deserve none.
There is nothing more pernicious than the cus-
tom of plying children in the scrofula with strong
purgative medicines. People imagine it proceeds
from humours which must be purged off, without
considering that these purgatives increase the de-
bility, and aggravate the disease. It has indeed
been found that keeping the body gently open for
some time, especially with sea-water, has a good
effect; but this should only be given in gross ha-
bits, and in such quantities as to procure one, or at
most two stools every day.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
177
Bathing in the salt-water has likewise a very good
effect, especially in the warm season. I have often
known a course of bathing in the salt-water, and
drinking it in such quantities as to keep the body
gently open, cure a scrofula, after many other me-
dicines had been tried in vain. When salt-water
cannot be obtained, the patient may be bathed in
fresh water, and his body kept open by small quan-
tities of salt and water, or some other mild pur-
gative.
Next to cold bathing, and drinking the salt-wa-
ter, we would recommend the Peruvian bark. The
cold bath may be used in summer, and the bark in
winter. To an adult, half a drachm of the bark in
powder may be given in a glass of red wine, four or
five times a-day. Children, and such as cannot take
it in substance, may use the decoction made in the
following manner :
Boil an ounce of Peruvian bark and a drachm of
Winter's bark, both grossly powdered, in an Eng-
lish quart of water to a pint; towards the end, half
an ounce of sliced liquorice-root and a handful of
raisins may be added, which will both render the
decoction less disagreeable, and make it take up
inore of the bark. The liquor must be strained,
and two, three, or four table-spoonsful, according
to the age of the patient, given three times a-day;
but, in place of this, I now use the compound tinc-
ture of bark.
The Moffat and Harrogate waters, especially the
latter, are likewise very proper medicines in the
scrofula. They ought not however, to be drunk in
large quantities, but should be taken so as to keep
the body gently open, and must be used for a con-
siderable time.
The hemlock may sometimes be used with ad-
vantage in the scrofula. Some lay it down as a
general rule that the sea water is most proper be-
fore there are any suppuration or symptoms of
179
M
178
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
tabes; the Peruvian bark, when there are running
sores, and a degree of hectic fever; and the hemlock
in old inveterate cases, approaching to the schirrous
or cancerous state. Either the extract or the fresh
juice of this plant may be used. The doses may be
small at first, and increased gradually as far as the
stomach is able to bear it.
Medicines which mitigate this disease, though they
do not cure it, are not to be despised.
If the pa-
tient can be kept alive by any means till he arrives
at the age of puberty, he has a great chance to get
well; but if he does not recover at this time, in all
probability he never will.
OF THE ITCH.
THOUGH this disease is commonly communicated
by infection, yet it seldom prevails where due re-
gard is paid to cleanliness, fresh air, and wholesome
diet. It generally appears in form of small watery
pustules, first about the wrists, or between the fin-
gers; afterwards it affects the arms, legs, thighs, &c.
These pustules are attended with an intolerable
itching, especially when the patient is warm in
bed, or sits by the fire. Sometimes, indeed, the
skin is covered with large blotches or scabs, and at
other times with a white scurf, or scaly eruption.
This last is called the Dry Itch, and is the most dif-
ficult to cure.
The itch is seldom a dangerous disease, unless
when it is rendered so by neglect or improper treat-
ment. If it be suffered to continue too long, it
may vitiate the whole mass of humours: and, if it
be suddenly driven in, without proper evacuations,
it may occasion fevers, inflammations of the visce-
ra, or other internal disorders.
The best medicine yet known for the itch is sul-
phur, which ought to be used both externally and
internally. The parts most affected may be rubbed
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
179
with an ointment made of the flower of sulphur,
two ounces; crude sal ammoniac finely powdered,
two drachms; hogs-lard or butter, four ounces. If
a scruple or half a drachm of the essence of lemon
be added, it will entirely take away the disagreeable
smell. About the bulk of a nutmeg of this may be
rubbed upon the extremities, at bed-time twice or
thrice a-week. It is seldom necessary to rub the
whole body; but, when it is, it ought not to be done
all at once, but by turns, as it is dangerous to stop
too many pores at the same time.
Before the patient begins to use the ointment, he
ought, if he be of a full habit, to bleed or take a
It will likewise be proper, during
purge or two.
the use of it, to take every night and morning as
much of the flower of brimstone and cream of tar-
tar, in a little treacle or new milk, as will keep the
body gently open. He should beware of catching
cold, should wear more clothes than usual, and take
every thing warm. The same clothes, the linen ex-
cepted, ought to be worn all the time of using the
ointment; and such clothes as have been worn while
the patient was under the disease, are not to be
used again, unless they have been fumigated with
brimstone, and thoroughly cleansed, otherwise they
will communicate the infection anew.
I never knew brimstone, when used as directed.
above, fail to cure the itch; and I have reason to
believe that, if duly persisted in, it never will fail :
but if it be only used once or twice, and cleanliness
neglected, it is no wonder if the disorder returns.
The quantity of ointment mentioned above will gen-
erally be sufficient for the cure of one person.
Those who would avoid this detestable disease,
ought to be aware of infected persons, to use whole-
some food, and to study universal cleanliness.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
OF THE ASTHMA.
THE asthma is a disease of the lungs, which seldom
admits of a cure. Persons in the decline of life are
most liable to it. It is distinguished into the moist
and dry, or humoral and nervous. The former is
attended with expectoration or spitting; but in the
latter the patient seldom spits, unless sometimes
a little tough phlegm by the mere force of cough-
ing.
CAUSES.-The asthma is sometimes hereditary.
It may likewise proceed from a bad formation of
the breast; the fumes of metals or minerals taken
into the lungs; violent exercise, especially run-
ning; the obstruction of customary evacuations, as
the menses, hæmorrhoids, &c.; the sudden retroces-
sion of the gout, or striking in of eruptions, as the
small-pox, measles, &c. violent passions of the mind,
as sudden fear or surprise. In a word, the disease
may proceed from any cause that either impedes
the circulation of the blood through the lungs, or
prevents their being duly expanded by the air.
SYMPTOMS.-An asthma is known by a quick la-
borious breathing, which is generally performed
with a kind of wheezing noise. Sometimes the dif-
ficulty of breathing is so great, that the patient is
obliged to keep in an erect posture; otherwise he is
in danger of being suffocated. A fit or paroxysm
of the asthma generally happens after a person has
been exposed to cold easterly winds, or has been
abroad in thick foggy weather, or has got wet, or
continued long in a damp place under ground, or
has taken some food which the stomach could not
digest, as pastries, toasted cheese, or the like.
The paroxysm is commonly ushered in with list-
lessness, want of sleep, hoarseness, a cough, belch-
ing wind, a sense of heaviness about the breast, and
difficulty of breathing. To these succeed heat, fe-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
181
ver, pain of the head, sickness and nausea, great op-
pression of the breast, palpitation of the heart, a
weak and sometimes intermitting pulse, an invol-
untary flow of tears, bilious vomitings, &c. All the
symptoms grow worse towards night; the patient
is easier when up than in bed, and is very desirous
of cool air.
REGIMEN. The food ought to be light and of ea-
sy digestion. Boiled meats are to be preferred to
roasted, and the flesh of young animals to that of
old. All windy food, and whatever is apt to swell
in the stomach, is to be avoided. Light puddings,
white broths, and ripe fruits, baked, boiled or roast-
ed, are proper. Strong liquors of all kinds, espe-
cially malt-liquor, are hurtful. The patient should
eat a very light supper, or rather none at all; and
should never suffer himself to be long costive.
His clothing should be warm, especially in the win-
ter season. As all disorders of the breast are much
relieved by keeping the feet warm, and promoting
the perspiration, a flannel shirt or waistcoat, and
thick shoes, will be of singular service.
But nothing is of so great importance in the asth-
ma as pure and moderately warm air. Asthmatic
people can seldom bear either the close heavy air of
a large town, or the sharp keen atmosphere of a
bleak billy country; a medium, therefore, between
these is to be chosen. The air near a large town is
often better than at a distance, provided the patient
be removed so far as not to be affected by the smoke.
Some asthmatic patients indeed breathe easier in
town than in the country; but this is seldom the
case, especially in towns where much coal is burnt.
Asthmatic persons who are obliged to be in town all
day, ought at least to sleep out of it. Even this
will often prove of great service. Those who can
afford it, ought to travel into a warmer climate.
Many asthmatic persons who cannot live in Britain
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
enjoy very good health in the south of France, Por-
tugal, Spain, or Italy.
Exercise is likewise of very great importance in
the asthma, as it promotes the digestion, and greatly
assists in the preparation of the blood. The blood
of asthmatic persons is seldom duly prepared, ow-
ing to the proper action of the lungs being imped-
ed. For this reason, such people ought daily to
take as much exercise, either on foot, horseback, or
in a carriage, as they can bear.
MEDICINE.-Almost all that can be done by me-
dicine in this disease, is to relieve the patient when
seized with a violent fit. This indeed requires the
greatest expedition, as the disease often proves sud-
denly fatal. In the paroxysm or fit, the body is
generally bound, a purging-clyster, with a solution
of assafoetida, ought therefore to be administered,
and, if there be occasion, it may be repeated two or
three times. The patient's feet and legs ought to
be immersed in warm water, and afterwards rubbed
with a warm hand or dry cloth. Bleeding, unless
extreme weakness or old age should forbid it, is
highly proper. If there be a violent spasm about
the breast or stomach, warm fomentations, or blad-
ders filled with warın milk and water, may be ap-
plied to the part affected, and warm cataplasms to
the soles of the feet. The patient must drink freely
of diluting liquors, and may take a tea-spoonful of
the tincture of castor and saffron, mixed together
in a cup of valerian tea, twice or thrice a-day. Some-
times a vomit has a very good effect, and snatches
the patient, as it were, from the jaws of death. This,
however, will be more safe after other evacuations
have been premised.
A very strong infusion of
roasted coffee is said to give ease in an asthmatic
paroxysm.
In the moist asthma, such things as promote ex-
pectoration or spitting, ought to be used; as the sy-
rup of squills, gum-ammoniac, and such like. A
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
183
common spoonful of the syrup of oxymel of squills,
mixed with an equal quantity of cinnamon-water,
may be taken three or four times through the day,
and four or five pills made of equal parts of assa-
fœtida and gum ammoniac, at bed-time.
For the convulsive or nervous asthma, antispas-
modics and bracers are the most proper medicines.
The patient may take a tea-spoonful of the parego-
ric elixir twice a-day. The Peruvian bark is some-
times found to be of use in this case. It may be
taken in substance, or infused in wine.
OF THE APOPLEXY.
THE apoplexy is a sudden loss of sense and motion,
during which the patient is to all appearance dead;
the heart and lungs still continue to move. Though
this disease often proves fatal, yet it may sometimes
be removed by proper care. It chiefly attacks se-
dentary persons of a gross habit, who use a rich and
plentiful diet, and indulge in strong liquors. Peo-
ple in the decline of life are most subject to the
apoplexy. It prevails most in winter, especially
in rainy seasons and very low states of the baro-
meter.
CAUSES. The immediate cause of an apoplexy
is a compression of the brain, occasioned by an ex-
cess of blood, or a collection of watery humours.
The former is called a sanguine, and the latter a se-
rous, apoplexy. It may be occasioned by anything
that increases the circulation towards the brain, or
prevents the return of the blood from the head; as
intense study; violent passions; viewing objects for
a long time obliquely; wearing any thing too tight
about the neck; a rich and luxurious diet; sup-
pression of urine; suffering the body to cool sud-
denly after having been greatly heated; continuing
long in a warm or cold bath; the excessive use of
spiceries, or high-seasoned food; excess of venery;
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
the sudden striking in of any eruption; suffering
issues, setons, &c. suddenly to dry up, or the stop-
page of any customary evacuation; a mercurial
salivation pushed too far, or suddenly checked by
cold; wounds or bruises on the head; long ex-
posure to excessive cold; poisonous exhalations,
&c.
SYMPTOMS, and method of cure.-The usual fore-
runners of an apoplexy are giddiness, pain and
swimming of the head; loss of the memory; drow-
siness: noise in the ears; the night-mare; a spon-
taneous flux of tears and laborious perspiration.
When persons of an apoplectic make, observe these
symptoms, they have reason to fear the approach of
a fit, and should endeavour to prevent it by bleed-
ing, a slender diet, and opening medicines.
In the sanguine apoplexy, if the patient does not
die suddenly, the countenance appears florid, the
face is swelled or puffed up, and the blood vessels,
especially about the neck and temples, are turgid;
the pulse beats strong; the eyes are prominent and
fixed, and the breathing is difficult, and performed
with a snorting noise. The excrements and urine
are often voided spontaneously, and the patient is
sometimes seized with vomiting.
In this species of apoplexy, every method must
be taken to lessen the force of circulation towards
the head. The patient should be kept perfectly ea-
sy and cool. His head should be raised pretty high,
and his feet suffered to hang down. His clothes
ought to be loosened, especially about the neck, and
fresh air admitted into his chamber. His garters
should be tied pretty tight, by which means the mo-
tion of the blood from the lower extremities will be
retarded. As soon as the patient is placed in a pro-
per posture, he should be bled freely in the neck or
arm, and, if there be occasion, the operation may
be repeated in two or three hours. A laxative clys-
ter, with plenty of sweet oil, or fresh butter, and a
BUCHAN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
185
spoonful or two of common salt in it, may be ad-
ininistered every two hours, and blistering-plasters
applied between the shoulders, and to the calves of
the legs.
As soon as the symptoms are a little abated, and
the patient is able to swallow, he ought to drink
freely of some diluting liquor: as a decoction of
tamarinds and liquorice, cream-tartar whey, or com-
mon whey with cream of tartar dissolved in it. Or
he may take any cooling purge, as Glauber's salts,
manna dissolved in an infusion of senna, or the like.
All spirits, and other strong liquors, are to be avoid-
ed. Even volatile salts held to the nose do mischief.
Vomits, for the same reason, ought not to be given,
or any thing that may increase the motion of the
blood towards the head.
In the serous apoplexy, the symptoms are nearly
the same, only the pulse is not so strong, the coun-
tenance is less florid, and the breathing less diffi-
cult. Bleeding is not so necessary here as in the
former case. It may, however, generally be per-
formed once with safety and advantage, but should
not be repeated. The patient should be placed in
the same posture as directed above, and should
have blistering-plasters applied, and receive open-
ing clysters in the same manner. Purges are here
likewise necessary, and the patient may drink balm-
tea. If he be inclined to sweat, it ought to be pro-
moted by drinking small wine-whey, or an infusion
of carduus benedictus. A plentiful sweat, kept up
for a considerable time, has often carried off a serous
apoplexy.
When apoplectic symptoms proceed from opium
or other narcotic substances taken into the stomach,
vomits are necessary. The patient is generally re-
lieved as soon as he has discharged the poison in
this way.
Persons of an apoplectic make, or those who have
been attacked by it, ought to use a very spare and
186
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
f
slender diet; avoiding all strong liquors, spiceries.
and high-seasoned food. They ought likewise to
guard against all violent passions, and to avoid the
extremes of heat and cold. The head should be
shaved, and daily washed with cold water. The feet
ought to be kept warm, and never suffered to con-
tinue long wet. The body must be kept open either
by food or medicine, and a little blood may be let
every spring and fall. Exercise should by no means
be neglected; but it ought to be taken in modera-
tion. Nothing has a more happy effect in prevent-
ing an apoplexy than perpetual issues or setons;
great care, however, must be taken not to suffer
them to dry up, without opening others in their
stead. Apoplectic persons ought never to go to
rest with a full stomach, or to lie with their
heads low, or wear any thing tight about their
necks.
The above observations are of the greatest im-
portance. A full stomach impedes the circulation,
which is naturally slower during sleep than when
awake. The head lying low seems to invite stag-
nation, and tight ligatures around the neck impede
the return of the blood from the brain, and can hard-
ly fail to produce an apoplexy.
OF COSTIVENESS, AND OTHER AFFEC-
TIONS OF THE STOMACH AND BOW-
ELS.
We do not here mean to treat of those astrictions
of the bowels which are the symptoms of diseases,
as of the colic, the iliac passions, &c. but only to
take notice of that infrequency of stools which some-
times happens, and which in some particular con-
stitutions may occasion diseases.
Costiveness may proceed from drinking rough
red wines, or other astringent liquors: too much
exercise, especially on horseback. It may likewise
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
187
proceed from a long use of cold insipid food, which
does not sufficiently stimulate the intestines. Some-
times it is owing to the bile not descending to the
intestines, as in the jaundice; and at other times it
proceeds from diseases of the intestines themselves,
as a palsy, spasms, torpor, tumours, a cold dry state
of the intestines, &c.
Excessive costiveness is apt to occasion pains of
the head, vomiting, colics, and other complaints of
the bowels. It is peculiarly hurtful in hypochon-
driac and hysteric complaints, as it generates
wind and other grievous symptoms. Some people,
however, can bear costiveness to a great degree. I
know persons who enjoy pretty good health, yet do
not go to stool above once a-week, and others not
above once a-fortnight. Indeed, I have heard of
some who do not go to stool above once a-month.
Persons who are generally costive should live up-
on a moistening and laxative diet; as roasted or
boiled apples, pears, stewed prunes, raisins, gruels
with currants, butter, honey, sugar, and such like.
Broths with spinage, leeks, and other soft pot-herbs
are likewise proper. Rye-bread, or that which is
made of a mixture of wheat and rye together, ought
to be caten. No person troubled with costiveness
should eat white bread alone, especially that which
is made of fine flour. The best bread for keeping
the body soluble is what, in some parts of England
they call meslin. It is made of a mixture of wheat
and rye, and is very agreeable to those who are ac-
customed to it.
Costiveness is increased by keeping the body too
warm, and by every thing that promotes the per-
spiration; as wearing flannel, lying too long in
bed, &c. Intense thought and a sedentary life are
likewise hurtful. All the secretions and excre-
tions are promoted by moderate exercise without
doors, and by a gay, cheerful, sprightly temper of
mind.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
The drink should be of an opening quality. All
ardent spirits, austere and astringent wines, as port,
claret, &c. ought to be avoided. Malt-liquor that
is fine, and of a moderate strength, is very proper.
Butter-milk, whey, and other watery liquors, are
likewise proper, and may be drunk in turns, as the
patient's inclination directs.
Those who are troubled with costiveness, ought,
if possible, to remedy it by diet, as the constant
use of medicines, for that purpose, is attended with
many inconveniencies, and often with bad conse-
quences.
When the body cannot be kept open without me-
dicine, we would recommend gentle doses of rhu-
barb to be taken twice or thrice a-week. This is not
near so injurious to the stomach, as aloes, jalap, or
the other drastic purgatives so much in use. Info-
sions of senna and manna may likewise be taken, or
half an ounce of soluble tartar dissolved in water-
gruel. About the size of a nutmeg of lenitive elec-
tuary, taken twice or thrice a-day, generally answers
the purpose very well.
WANT OF APPETITE.
THIS may proceed from a foul stomach: indiges-
tion;
the want of free air and exercise; grief, fear,
anxiety, or any of the depressing passions; exces-
sive heat; the use of strong broths, fat meat, or any
thing that palls the appetite, or is hard of digestion;
the immoderate use of strong liquors, tea, tobacco,
opium, &c.
The patient ought, if possible, to make choice of
an open dry air; to take exercise daily on horse-
back or in a carriage; to rise betimes; and to avoid
all intense thought. He should use a diet of easy
digestion; and should avoid excessive heat and
great fatigue.
If want of appetite proceed from errors in diet,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
189
1
or any other part of the patient's regimen, it ought
to be changed. If nausea and retchings show that
the stomach is loaded with crudities, a vomit will
be of service. After this a gentle purge or two of
rhubarb, or any of the bitter purging salts may be
taken. The patient ought next to use some of the
stomachic bitters infused in wine. Though gentle
evacuations be necessary, yet strong purges and
vomits are to be avoided, as they weaken the sto-
mach, and hurt digestion. After proper evacua-
tions, bitter elixirs and tinctures with aromatics may
be used.
Elixir of vitriol is an excellent medicine in most
cases of indigestion, weakness of the stomach, or
want of appetite. From twenty to thirty drops of
it may be taken twice or thrice a-day in a glass of
wine or water. It may likewise be mixed with the
tincture of the bark, one drachm of the former to
an ounce of the latter, and two tea-spoonsful of it
taken in wine and water, as above.
The chalybeate waters, if drunk in moderation,
are generally of considerable service in this case.
The salt water has likewise good effects; but it must
not be used too freely. The waters of Harrogate,
Scarborough, Moffat, and most other spas in Bri-
tain, may be used with advantage. We would ad-
vise all who are afflicted with indigestion and want
of appetite, to repair to these places of public ren-
dezvous. The very change of air, and the cheerful
company, will be of service; not to mention the ex-
ercise, dissipation, amusement, &c.
OF THE HEART-BURN.
WHAT is commonly called the heart-burn, is not a
disease of that organ, but an uneasy sensation of
heat or acrimony about the pit of the stomach, which
is sometimes attended with anxiety, nausea, and vo-
miting.
190
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
It may proceed from a debility of the stomach,
indigestion, bile, the abounding of an acid in the
stomach, &c. Persons who are liable to this com-
plaint, ought to avoid stale liquors, acids, windy or
greasy aliments, and should never use violent ex-
ercise soon after a plentiful meal.
When the heart-burn proceeds from debility of
the stomach, or indigestion, the patient ought to
take a dose or two of rhubarb; afterwards he may
use infusions of the Peruvian bark, or any other of
the stomachic bitters in wine or brandy. Drinking
a cup of camomile-tea, with fifteen or twenty drops.
of the elixir of vitriol in it, twice or thrice a-day
will strengthen the stomach and promote digestion
Exercise in the open air will likewise be of use.
When bilious humours occasion the heart-burn,
a tea-spoonful of the sweet spirit of nitre, in a glass
of water or a cup of tea, will generally give ease.
If it proceeds from the use of greasy aliments, a
dram of brandy or rum may be taken.
If acidity or sourness of the stomach occasions
the heart-burn, absorbents are the proper medicines.
In this case an ounce of powdered chalk, half an
ounce of fine sugar, and a quarter of an ounce of
gum-arabic, may be mixed in an English quart of
water, and a tea-cupful of it taken as often as is ne-
cessary. Such as do not choose chalk, may take a
tea-spoonful of prepared oyster-shells, or of the
powder called Crab's-eyes, and a glass of cinnamon
or peppermint water. But the safest and best ab-
sorbent is magnesia alba. This not only acts as an
absorbent, but likewise as a purgative; whereas
chalk and other absorbents of that kind, are apt to
lie in the intestines and occasion obstructions.
This powder is not disagreeable, and may be taken
in a cup of tea, or a glass of mint-water. A large
tea-spoonful is the usual dose; but it may be taken
in a much greater quantity when there is occasion.
These things are now generally made up into loz-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
191
enges, for the conveniency of being carried in the
pocket, and taken at pleasure.
If wind be the cause of this complaint, the most
proper medicines are those called carminatives; as
aniseeds, juniper-berries, ginger, canella alba, car-
damom seeds, &c.
OF NERVOUS DISEASES.
Or all diseases incident to mankind, those of the
nervous kind are the most complicated and difficult
to cure. Low spirits, timorousness, melancholy,
and fickleness of temper, which generally attend
nervous disorders, induce many to believe that they
are entirely diseases of the mind; but this change
of temper is rather a consequence than the cause of
nervous diseases.
CAUSES.-Every thing that tends to relax or
weaken the body, disposes it to nervous diseases, as
indolence, excessive venery, drinking too much tea,
or other weak watery liquors warm, frequent bleed-
ing, purging, vomiting, &c. Whatever hurts the
digestion, or prevents the proper assimilation of the
food, has likewise this effect; as long fasting, ex-
cess in eating or drinking, the use of windy, crude,
or unwholesome aliments, an unfavourable posture
of the body, &c.
Nervous disorders often proceed from intense
study. Grief and disappointment likewise produce
the same effects. I have known nervous patients
who dated the commencement of their disorders
from the loss of a husband, a favourite child, or
from disappointment in life. In a word, whatever
weakens the body, or depresses the spirits, may
occasion nervous disorders; as unwholesome air,
want of sleep, great fatigue, disagreeable apprehen-
sions, anxiety, vexation, &c.
SYMPTOMS.-We shall only mention some of the
most general symptoms of these disorders, as it will
F
192
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE,
be both a useless and impracticable task to enumerate
the whole. They generally begin with windy in-
flations or distensions of the stomach and intestines;
the appetite and digestion are usually bad; yet
sometimes there is an uncommon craving for food,
and a quick digestion. The food often turns sour
on the stomach; and the patient is troubled with
vomiting of clear water, tough phlegm, or a black-
ish-coloured liquor resembling the grounds of cof-
fee. Excruciating pains are often felt about the
navel, attended with a rumbling or murmuring noise
in the bowels. The body is sometimes loose, but
more commonly bound, which occasions a retention
of wind and great uneasiness.
The urine is sometimes in small quantity, at other
times very copious and quite clear.
There is a
great tightness of the breast, with difficulty of
breathing; violent palpitations of the heart; sudden
flushings of heat in various parts of the body; at
other times a sense of cold, as if water were poured
on them; flying pains in the arms and limbs; pains
in the back and belly, resembling those occasioned
by gravel; the pulse very variable, sometimes un-
commonly slow, and at other times very quick;
yawning, the hiccup, frequent sighing, and a sense
of suffocation, as if from a ball or lump in the throat;
alternate fits of crying and convulsive laughing;
the sleep is unsound, and seldom refreshing; and
the patient is often troubled with the night-mare.
Nothing is more characteristic of this disease
than a constant dread of death. This renders those
unhappy persons who labour under it peevish,
fickle, impatient, and apt to run from one physician
to another; which is one reason why they seldom
reap any benefit from medicine, as they have not
sufficient resolution to persist in any one course till
it has time to produce its proper effects. They are
likewise apt to imagine that they labour under dis-
eases, from which they are quite free; and are very
3
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
193
angry if any one attempts to set them right, or
laugh them out of their ridiculous notions.
REGIMEN.- Persons afflicted with nervous dis-
eases ought never to fast long. Their food should
be solid and nourishing, but of easy digestion. Fat
meats and heavy sauces are hurtful. All excess
should be carefully avoided. They ought never to
eat more at a time than they can easily digest; and
heavy suppers are to be avoided. If they feel them-
selves weak and faint between meals, they ought to
eat a bit of bread, and drink a glass of wine.
Though wine, in excess, enfeebles the body, and
impairs the faculties of the mind, yet, taken in
moderation, it strengthens the stomach, and pro-
motes digestion. Wine and water is a very proper
drink at meals; but if wine sours on the stomach,
or the patient is much troubled with wind, brandy
and water will answer better. Every thing that is
windy or hard of digestion must be avoided. All
weak and warm liquors are hurtful; as tea, coffee,
punch, &c. People may find a temporary relief in
the use of these, but they always increase the ma-
lady, as they weaken the stomach, and hurt digestion.
Above all things, drams are to be avoided. What-
ever immediate ease the patient may feel from the
use of ardent spirits, they are sure to aggravate the
malady, and prove certain poisons at last. These
cautions are the more necessary, as most nervous
people are peculiarly fond of tea and ardent spirits;
to the use of which many of them fall victims.
Exercise in nervous disorders is superior to all
medicines. Riding on horse-back is generally es-
teemed the best, as it gives motion to the whole
body, without fatiguing it., I have known some
patients, however, with whoni walking agreed better,
and others who were most benefited by riding in a
carriage. Every one ought to use that which he
finds most beneficial. Long sea-voyages have an
excellent effect.
179
N
191
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
A cool and dry air is proper, as it braces and in-
vigorates the whole body. Few things tend more
to relax and enervate than hot hair, especially that
which is rendered so by great fires or stoves in small
apartments. But when the stomach and bowels are
weak, the body ought to be well guarded against
cold, especially in winter, by wearing a thin flannel
waistcoat next the skin. This will keep up an equal
perspiration, and defend the alimentary canal from
many impressions to which it would otherwise be
subject upon every sudden change from warm to
cold weather. Rubbing the body frequently with
a flesh-brush, or a coarse linen cloth, is likewise
beneficial; as it promotes the circulation, perspira-
tion, &c. Persons who have weak nerves ought to
rise early, and take exercise before breakfast, as
lying too long in bed cannot fail to relax the solids.
They ought likewise to be diverted, and to be kept
as easy and cheerful as possible. There is not any
thing which hurts the nervous system, or weakens
the digestive powers more than fear, grief, or anxiety.
MEDICINES.-Though nervous diseases are seldom
radically cured, yet their symptoms may sometimes
be alleviated, and the patient's life rendered at least
more comfortable, by proper medicines.
When the patient is costive, he ought to take a
little rhubarb, or some other mild purgative, and
should never suffer his body to be long bound. All
strong and violent purgatives are, however, to be
avoided; as aloes, jalap, &c. I have generally seen
an infusion of senna and rhubarb in brandy an-
swer very well. This may be made of any strength,
and taken in such a quantity as the patient finds
necessary. When the digestion is bad, or the
stomach relaxed and weak, the following infusion of
Peruvian bark and other bitters nray be used with
advantage:
Take of Peruvian bark, an ounce; gentian-root,
orange-peel, and coriander-sced, of each an ounce;
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
195
Jet these ingredients be all bruised in a mortar, and
infused in a bottle of brandy or rum, for the space
of five or six days. A table-spoonful of the strain-
ed liquor may be taken in half a glass of water, an
hour before breakfast, dinner, and supper.
Few things tend more to strengthen the nervous
system than cold bathing. This practice, if duly
persisted in, will produce very extraordinary effects;
but when the liver or other viscera are obstructed,
or otherwise unsound, the cold bath is improper.
It is therefore to be used with very great caution.
The most proper seasons for it are summer and
autumn. It will be sufficient, especially for persons
of a spare habit, to go into the cold-bath three or
four times a-week. If the patient be weakened by
it, or feels chilly for a long time after coming out,
it is improper.
OF MELANCHOLY.
MELANCHOLY is that state of alienation or weak-
ness of mind which renders people incapable of en-
joying the pleasures, or performing the duties, of
life. It is a degree of insanity, and often terminates
in absolute madness.
CAUSES. It may proceed from a hereditary dis-
position; intense thinking, especially where the
mind is long occupied about one object; violent
passions or affections of the mind, as love, fear, joy,.
grief, pride, and such like. It may also be occasion-
ed by excessive venery; narcotic or stupefactive
poisons; a sedentary life; solitude; the suppression
of customary evacuations; acute fevers; or other
diseases. Violent anger will change melancholy
into madness; and excessive cold, especially of the
lower extremities, will force the blood into the brain,
and produce all the symptoms of madness. It may
likewise proceed from the use of aliment that is
hard of digestion, or which cannot be easily assimi
196
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
lated; from a callous state of the integuments of
the brain, or a dryness of the brain itself. To all
which we may add gloomy and mistaken notions of
religion.
SYMPTOMS.-When persons begin to be melan-
choly, they are dull; dejected; timorous; watch-
ful; fond of solitude; fretful; fickle; captious and
inquisitive; solicitous about trifles; sometimes
niggardly, and at other times prodigal. The body is
generally bound; the urine thin and in small
quantity; the stomach and bowels inflated with
wind; the complexion pale; the pulse slow and
weak. The functions of the mind are also greatly
perverted, insomuch that the patient often imagines
himself dead, or changed into some other animal.
Some have imagined their bodies made of glass, or
other brittle substances, and were afraid to move
lest they should be broken to pieces. The unhappy
patient, in this case, unless carefully watched, is
apt to put an end to his own miserable life.
When the disease is owing to any obstruction of
customary evacuations, or any bodily disorder, it is
casier cured than when it proceeds from affections.
of the mind, or a hereditary taint. A discharge of
blood from the nose, looseness, scabby eruptions,
the bleeding piles, or the menses, sometimes carry
off this disease.
REGIMEN. The diet should consist chiefly of
vegetables of a cooling and opening quality. Ani-
mal food, especially salted, or smoke-dried fish or
flesh, ought to avoided. All kinds of shell-fish are
bad. Aliments prepared with onions, garlic, or any
thing that generates thick blood, are likewise in-
proper. All kinds of fruit that are wholesome may
be eaten with advantage. Boerhaave gives an in-
stance of a patient who, by a long use of whey,
water, and garden fruit, recovered, after having
evacuated a great quantity of black-coloured mat-
ter.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
197
Strong liquors of every kind ought to be avoided
as poison. The most proper drink is water, whey,
or very small beer. Tea and coffee are improper.
If honey agrees with the patient, it may be eaten
freely, or his drink may be sweetened with it. In-
fusions of balm-leaves, penny-royal, the roots of
wild valerian, or the flowers of the lime tree, may be
drunk freely, either by themselves, or sweetened
with honey, as the patient shall choose.
The patient ought to take as much exercise in the
open air as he can bear.
P
MEDICINE. In the cure of this disease, particu-
lar attention must be paid to the mind. When
the patient is in a low state, his mind ought to be
soothed and diverted with a variety of amusements,
as entertaining stories, pastimes, music, &c. This
seems to have been the method of curing the me-
lancholy among the Jews, as we learn from the story
of King Saul; and, indeed, it is a very rational one.
Nothing can remove diseases of the mind so effect-
ually as applications to the mind itself, the most
efficacious of which is music. The patient's com-
pany ought likewise to consist of such persons
as are agreeable to him. People in this state
are apt to conceive unaccountable aversions against
particular persons; and the very sight of such per-
sons is sufficient to distract their minds, and throw
them into the utmost perturbation. In all kinds of
madness, it is better to soothe and calm the mind,
than to ruffle it by contradiction.
When the patient is high, evacuations are neces-
sary. In this case he must be bled, and have his
body kept open by purging medicines, as manna,
rhubarb, cream of tartar, or the soluble tartar.
have seen the last have very happy effects. It may
be taken in the dose of half an ounce, dissolved in
water-gruel, every day for several weeks, or even for
months, if necessary. More or less may be given
according as it operates. Vomits have likewise a
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
good effect; but they must be pretty strong, other-
wise they will not operate.
Whatever increases the evacuation of urine, or
promotes perspiration, has a tendency to remove
this disease. Both these secretions may be pro-
moted by the use of nitre and vinegar. Half a
drachm of purified nitre may be given three or four
times a-day, in any manner that is most agreeable
to the patient; and an ounce and a half of distilled
vinegar may be daily mixed with his drink. Dr.
Locker seems to think vinegar the best medicine
that can be given in this disease.
Camphire and musk have likewise been used in
this case with advantage. Ten or twelve grains of
camphire may be rubbed in a mortar with half a
drachm of nitre, and taken twice a-day, or oftener,
if the stomach will bear it. If it will not sit upon
the stomach in this form, it may be made into pills
with gum assafoetida and Russian castor, and taken
in the quantity above directed. If musk is to be
administered, a scruple or twenty-five grains of it
may be made into a bolus with a little honey or
common syrup, and taken twice or thrice a-day.
The antimonial wine, is by some extolled for the
cure of madness; it may be taken in a dose of forty
or fifty drops twice or thrice a day in a cup of tea.
We do not mean that all these medicines should be
administered at once; but whichever of them is
given must be duly persisted in, and where one
fails another may be tried.
OF THE PALSY.
THE palsy is a loss or diminution of sense and
motion, or of both, in one or more parts of the body.
Of all the affections called nervous, this is the most
suddenly fatal. It is more or less dangerous, ac-
cording to the importance of the part affected. A
palsy of the heart, lungs, or any other part neces-
LUCIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
199
sary to life, is mortal. When it affects the sto-
mach, the intestines, or the bladder, it is highly
dangerous. If the face be affected, the case is bad,
as it shows that the disease proceeds from the brain.
When the part affected feels cold, is insensible, or
wastes away, or when the judgment and memory
begin to fail, there is small hope of a cure.
CAUSES.-The immediate cause of palsy is any
thing that prevents the regular exertion of the ner-
vous power upon any particular muscle or part of
the body. The occasional and predisposing causes
are various, as drunkenness; wounds of the brain
and spinal marrow; pressure upon the brain or
nerves; very cold or damp air; the suppression of
customary evacuations; sudden fear; want of ex-
ercise; or whatever greatly relaxes the system, as
drinking much tea or coffee. The palsy may like-
wise proceed from wounds of the nerves themselves,
from the poisonous fumes of metals or minerals, as
mercury, lead, arsenic, &c.
In young persons of a full habit, the palsy must
be treated in the same manner as the sanguine apo-
plexy. The patient must be bled, blistered, and
have his body opened by sharp clysters of purgative
medicines. But in old age, or when the disease pro-
ceeds from relaxation or debility, which is generally
the case, a quite contrary course must be pursued.
The diet must be warm and invigorating, seasoned
with spicy and aromatic vegetables, as mustard,
horse-radish, &c. The drink may be generous wine,
mustard-whey, or brandy and water. Friction, with
the flesh-brush or a warm band, is extremely pro-
per, especially on the parts affected. Blistering
plasters may likewise be applied to the affected parts
with advantage. When this cannot be done, they
may be rubbed with the volatile liniment, or the
nerve ointment of the Edinburgh Dispensary. One
of the best external applications is electricity. The
shocks, or rather vibrations, should be received on
200
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
the part affected; and they ought daily to be repeat.
ed for several weeks.
Vomits are very beneficial in this kind of palsy,
and ought frequently to be administered. Cephalic
snuff, or anything that makes the patient sneeze, is
likewise of use. Some pretend to have found great
benefit from rubbing the part affected with nettles;
but this does not seem to be any way preferable to
blistering. If the tongue be affected, the patient
may gargle his mouth frequently with brandy and
mustard; or he may hold a bit of sugar in his mouth,
wet with the palsy drops, or compound spirit of la-
vender. The wild valerian-root is a very proper me-
dicine in this case. It may either be taken in an in-
fusion with sage-leaves, or half a drachm of it in
powder may be given in a glass of wine three or four
times a-day. If the patient cannot use the valerian,
he may take of sal volatile oleosum, compound spi-
rits of lavender, and tincture of castor, each half an
ounce; mix these together, and take forty or fifty
drops in a glass of wine three or four times a-day.
A tablespoonful of mustard seed taken frequently
is a very good medicine. The patient ought like-
wise to chew cinnamon bark, ginger, or other warni
spiceries.
Exercise is of the utmost importance in the pal-
sy; but the patient must beware of cold, damp, and
moist air. He ought to wear flannel next his skin;
and, if possible, should remove into a warmer cli-
mate.
OF THE EPILEPSY, OR FALLING SICK-
NESS.
THE epilepsy is a sudden deprivation of all the sen-
ses, wherein the patient falls suddenly down, and is
affected with violent convulsive motions. Children,
especially those who are delicately brought up, are
most subject to it. It more frequently attacks men
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
201
than women, and is very difficult to cure. When
the epilepsy attacks children, there is reason to hope
it may go off about the time of puberty. When it
attacks any person after twenty years of age, the
cure is difficult; but when after forty, a cure is hard-
ly to be expected. If the fit continues only for a
space, and returns seldom, there is reason to hope;
but if it continues long, and returns frequently, the
prospect is bad.
It is a very unfavourable symp-
tom when the patient is seized with the fits in his
sleep.
CAUSES.-The epilepsy is sometimes hereditary.
It may likewise proceed from blows, bruises, or
wounds in the head; a collection of water, blood, or
serous humours in the brain; a polypus; tumours
or concretions within the skull; excessive drinking;
intense study; excess of venery; worms; teething;
suppression of customary evacuations; too great
emptiness or repletion; violent passions or affec-
tions of the mind, as fear, joy, &c. hysteric affec-
tions; contagion received into the body, as the in-
fection of the small-pox, measles, &c.
SYMPTOMS. An epileptic fit is generally preced-
ed by unusual weariness; pain of the head; dul-
ness; giddiness; noise in the ears; dimness of the
sight; palpitation of the heart; disturbed sleep;
difficult breathing; the bowels are inflated with
wind; the urine is in great quantity, but thin; the
complexion is pale; the extremities are cold; and
the patient often feels as it were, a stream of cold air
ascending towards his head.
In the fit, the patient generally makes an unusual
noise; his eyes are distorted; he starts, and foams
at the mouth; his extremities are bent or twisted
various ways; he often discharges his seed, urine,
and fæces, involuntarily; and is quite destitute of
all sense and reason. After the fit is over, his sen-
ses gradually return, and he complains of a kind of
stupor, weariness, and pain of his head; but has no
202
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
remembrance of what happened to him during the
fit.
The fits are sometimes excited by violent affec-
tions of the mind, a debauch of liquor, excessive
heat, cold, or the like.
REGIMEN.-Epileptic patients ought, if possible,
to breathe a pure and free air. Their diet should be
light and nourishing. They ought to drink nothing
strong, to avoid swine's flesh, water-fowl, and like-
wise all windy and oily vegetables, as cabbage, nuts,
&c. They ought to keep themselves cheerful, care-
fully guarding against all violent passions, as anger,
fear, excessive joy, and the like.
Exercise is likewise of great use; but the patient
must be careful to avoid all extremes either of heat
or cold, all dangerous situations, as standing upon
precipices, riding, deep waters, and such like.
MEDICINE. The intentions of cure must vary
according to the cause of this disease.
If the pa-
tient be of a sanguine temperament, and there be
reason to fear an obstruction in the brain, bleeding
and other evacuations will be necessary. When the
disease is occasioned by the stoppage of customary
evacuations, these, if possible, must be restored; if
this cannot be done, others may be substituted in
their place. Issues or setons in this case have often
a very good effect. When there is reason to believe
that the disease proceeds from worms, proper me-
dicine must be used to kill or carry off these ver-
min. When the disease proceeds from teething, the
body should be kept open by emollient clysters, the
feet frequently bathed in warm water, and, if the fits
prove obstinate, a blistering-plaster may be put be-
twixt the shoulders. The same method is to be fol-
lowed, when epileptic fits precede the eruption of
the small-pox or measles, &c.
When the disease is hereditary, or proceeds from
a wrong formation of the brain, a cure is not to be
expected. When it is owing to debility, or too great
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
203
an irritability of the nervous system, such medicines.
as tend to brace and strengthen the nerves may be
used, as the Peruvian bark and steel; or the anti-
epileptic electuaries recommended by Fuller and
Mead.
The flowers of zinc have of late been highly ex-
tolled for the cure of epilepsy. Though this medi-
cine will not be found to answer the expectations
which have been raised concerning it, yet in obsti-
nate epileptic cases it deserves a trial. The dose is
from one to three or four grains, which may be tak-
en either in pills or a bolus, as the patient inclines.
The best method is to begin with a single grain four
or five times a-day, and gradually to increase the
dose as far as the patient can bear it. I have known
this medicine, when duly persisted in, prove bene-
ficial.
Musk has sometimes been found to succeed in the
epilepsy. Ten or twelve grains of it, with the same
quantity of factitious cinnabar, may be made into
a bolus, and taken every night and morning.
Sometimes the epilepsy has been cured by elec-
tricity.
Convulsion fits proceed from the same causes,
and must be treated in the same manner as the epi-
lepsy.
OF THE HICCUP.
THE hiccup is a spasmodic or convulsive affection
of the stomach and midriff, arising from any cause
that irritates the nervous fibres.
It may proceed from excess in eating or drinking;
from a hurt in the stomach; poisons; wind; in-
flammations of schirrous tumours of the stomach,
intestines, bladder, midriff, or the rest of the viscera.
In gangrenes, acute and malignant fevers, a hiccup
is often the forerunner of death.
When the hiccup proceeds from the use of ali-
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
ment that is flatulent, or hard of digestion, a draught
of generous wine, or a dram of any spirituous li-
quor, will generally remove it. If poison be the
cause, plenty of milk and oil must be drunk, as has
been formerly recommended. When it proceeds
from an inflammation of the stomach, &c. it is
very dangerous. In this case the cool regimen
ought to be strictly observed. The patient must be
bled, and take frequently a few drops of the sweet
spirits of nitre in a cup of wine-whey. His stomach
should likewise be fomented with cloths dipped in
warm water, or have bladders filled with warm milk
and water applied to it.
When the hiccup proceeds from a gangrene or
mortification, the Peruvian bark, with other anti-
septics, are the only medicines which have a chance
to succeed. When it is a primary disease, and pro-
ceeds from a foul stomach, loaded either with a pi-
tuitous or a bilious humour, a gentle vomit and
purge, if the patient be able to bear them, will be of
service. If it arises from flatulencies, the carmina-
tive medicines directed for the heart-burn must be
used.
When hiccup proves very obstinate, recourse must
be had to the most powerful aromatic and antispas-
modic medicines; the principal of these is musk,
fifteen or twenty grains of which may be made into
a bolus, and repeated occasionally. Opiates are
likewise of service; but they must be used with cau-
tion. A bit of sugar dipped in compound spirits of
lavender, or the volatile aromatic tincture may be
taken frequently.
CRAMP OF THE STOMACH.
THIS disease often seizes people suddenly, is ve-
ry dangerous, and requires immediate assistance.
It is most incident to persons in the decline of life,
especially the nervous, gouty, hysteric, and hypo-
chondriac.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
205
If the patient has an inclination to vomit, he ought
to take some draughts of warm water, or weak camo-
mile-tea, to cleanse the stomach. After this, if he
has been costive, a laxative clyster may be given.
He ought then to take laudanum. The best way of
administering it is in a clyster. Sixty or seventy
drops of liquid laudanum may be given in a clyster
of warm water. This is much more certain than
laudanum given by the mouth, which is often vo-
mited, and in some cases, increases the pain and
spasms in the stomach.
If the pain and cramps return with great violence,
after the effects of the anodyne clysters are over,
another, with an equal or larger quantity of opium,
may be given; and every four or five hours a bolus,
with ten or twelve grains of musk, and half a drachm
of the Venice treacle. In the meantime the sto-
mach ought to be fomented with cloths dipped in
warm water, and bladders filled with warm milk and
water should be applied to it. I have often seen
these produce the most happy effects. The anodyne
balsain may also be rubbed on the part affected;
and an anti-hysteric plaster worn upon it for some
time after the cramps are removed, to prevent their
return.
In very violent and lasting pains of the stomach,
some blood ought to be let, unless the weakness of
the patient forbids it. When the pain or cramps
proceed from a suppression of the menses, bleeding
is of use. If they be owing to the gout, recourse
must be had to spirits, or some of the warm cordial
waters. Blistering plasters ought likewise in this
case to be applied to the ancles. I have often seen
violent cramps and pains of the stomach removed
by covering it with a large plaster of treacle of the
London Dispensatory.
206
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
OF THE NIGHT-MARE.
In this disease the patient, in time of sleep, ima-
gines he feels an uncommon oppression or weight
about his breast or stomach, which he can by no
means shake off. He groans, and sometimes cries
out, though oftener he attempts to speak in vain.
Sometimes he imagines himself engaged with an
enemy, and in danger of being killed, attempts to
run away, but finds he cannot. Sometimes he fan-
cies himself in a house that is on fire, or that he is
in danger of being drowned in a river. He often
thinks he is falling down a precipice, and the
dread of being dashed to pieces suddenly awakes
him.
This disorder has been supposed to proceed from
too much blood; from a stagnation of blood in the
brain, lungs, &c. But it is rather a nervous affec-
tion, and arises chiefly from indigestion. Hence we
find that persons of weak nerves, who lead a seden-
tary life, and live full, are most commonly afflicted
with the night-mare. Nothing tends more to pro-
duce it than heavy suppers, especially when eaten
late, or the patient goes to bed soon after. Wind is
likewise a very frequent cause of this disease; for
which reason those who are afflicted with it ought
to avoid all flatulent food. Deep thought, anxiety,
or any thing that oppresses the mind, ought also to
be avoided.
As persons afflicted with the night-mare general-
ly moan or make some noise in the fit, they should
be waked or spoken to by such as hear them, as the
uneasiness generally goes off as soon as the patient
is awake. Dr. Whyte says, he generally found a
dram of brandy taken at bed-time prevent this dis-
ease. This however, is a bad custom, and in time
loses its effect. We would rather have the patient
depend upon the use of food of easy digestion, cheer-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
207
fulness, exercise through the day, and a light sup-
per taken early, than to accustom himself to drams.
A glass of peppermint-water will often promote di-
gestion as much as a glass of brandy, and is much
safer. After a person of weak digestion, however,
has eaten flatulent food, a dram may be necessary;
in this case we would recommend it as the most
proper medicine.
Persons who are young, and full of blood, if trou-
bled with the night-mare, ought to take a purge fre-
quently and use a spare diet.
OF SWOONINGS.
PEOPLE of weak nerves or delicate constitutions are
liable to swoonings or fainting fits. These, indeed,
are seldom dangerous when duly attended to; but
when wholly neglected, or improperly treated, they
often prove hurtful, and sometimes fatal.
The general causes of swoonings are sudden tran-
sitions from cold to heat; breathing air that is de-
prived of its proper spring or elasticity; great fa-
tigue; excessive weakness; loss of blood; long fast-
ing; fear, grief, and other violent passions or affec-
tions of the mind.
It is well known, that persons who have been long
exposed to cold, often faint or fall into a swoon, up-
on coming into the house, especially if they drink
hot liquor, or sit near a large fire. This might easi-
ly be prevented by people taking care not to go in-
to a warm room immediately after they have been
exposed to the cold air, to approach the fire gradu-
ally, and not to eat or drink anything hot, till the
body has been gradually brought into a warm tem-
perature.
When any one in consequence of neglecting these
precautions, falls into a swoon, he ought immediate-
ly to be removed to a cooler apartment, to have li-
gatures applied above the knees and elbows, and to
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
have his hands and face sprinkled with vinegar or
cold water. He should likewise be made to smell
to vinegar, and should have a spoonful or two of wa-
ter, if he can swallow, with about a third part of
vinegar mixed with it, poured into his mouth. If
these should not remove the complaint, it may be
necessary to bleed the patient, and afterwards to give
him a clyster.
As the air that is breathed frequently loses its
elasticity or spring, it is no wonder if persons who
respire in it often fall into a swoon or fainting fit.
They are in this case deprived of the very principle
of life. Hence it is that fainting fits are so frequent
in all crowded assemblies, especially in hot seasons.
Such fits however, must be considered as a kind of
temporary death; and, to the weak and delicate,
they sometimes prove fatal. They ought therefore
with the utmost care to be guarded against. The
method of doing this is obvious. Let assembly-
rooms, and all other places of public resort, be large
and well ventilated; and let the weak and delicate
avoid such places, particularly in warm seasons.
A person who faints in such a situation, ought
immediately to be carried into the open air; his
temples should be rubbed with strong vinegar or
brandy, and volatile salts held to his nose. He should
be laid upon his back with his head low, and have a
little wine or some other cordial, as soon as he is
able to swallow it, poured into his mouth. If the
person has been subject to hysteric fits, castor or
assafoetida should be applied to the nose, or burnt
feathers, horn, or leather, &c.
When fainting fits proceed from mere weakness
or exhaustion, which is often the case after great fa-
*igue, long fasting, loss of blood, or the like, the pa-
tient must be supported with generous cordials, as
jellies, wines, spirituous liquors, and such like. These
however, must be given at first in very small quan-
tities, and increased gradually as the patient is able
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
209
to bear them. He ought to be allowed to lie quiet,
still, and easy, upon his back, with his head low, and
should have fresh air admitted into his chamber.
His food should consist of nourishing broths, sago-
gruel with wine, new milk and other things of a light
and cordial nature. These things are to be given
out of the fit. All that can be done in the fit is, to let
him smell to a bottle of Hungary-water, eau de luce.
ot spirits of hartshorn, and to rub his temples with
warin brandy, or to lay a compress dipped in it to
the pit of the stomach.
| maker 3.
In fainting fits that proceed from fear, grief, or
other violent passions or affections of the mind, the
patient must be very cautiously managed. He
should be suffered to remain at rest, and only made
to smell to some vinegar. After he has come to
himself, he may drink freely of warm lemonade, or
balm-tea, with some orange or lemon peel in it. It
will likewise be proper, if the fainting fits have been
long and severe, to cleanse the bowels by throwing
in an emollient clyster.
It is common in fainting fits, from whatever cause
they proceed, to bleed the patient. The practice
may be very proper in strong persons of a full ha-
bit; but in those who are weak and delicate, or sub-
ject to nervous disorders, it is dangerous. The pro-
per method with such people is to expose them to
the free air, and to use cordials and stimulating me-
dicines, as volatile salts, Hungary-water, spirits of
lavender, tincture of castor, and the like.
OF FLATULENCIES, OR WIND.
ALL nervous patients, without exception, are afflic-
ted with wind or flatulencies in the stomach and
bowels, which arise chiefly from the want of tone
or vigour in these organs. Crude flatulent aliment,
as green peas, beans, coleworts, cabbages, and such
Like, may increase this complaint; but strong and
179
210
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
healthy people are seldom troubled with wind, un-
less they either overload their stomachs, or drink
liquors that are in a fermented state, and consequent-
ly full of elastic air. While therefore the matter of
flatulence proceeds from our aliments, the cause
which makes air separate from them in such quan
tity as to occasion complaints, is almost always a
fault of the bowels themselves, which are too weak
either to prevent the production of elastic air, or to
expel it after it is produced.
To relieve this complaint, such medicines ought
to be used as have a tendency to expel wind, and by
strengthening the alimentary canal, to prevent its
being produced there.
The list of medicines for expelling wind is very
numerous; they often however disappoint the ex-
pectations of both the physician and his patient.
The most celebrated among the class of carmina-
tives are juniper-berries; the roots of ginger and ze-
doary; the seeds of anise, caraway, and coriander;
gum assafoetida, and opium; the warm waters, tinc-
tures, and spirits, as the aromatic water, the tincture
of wood-foot, the volatile aromatic spirit, æther, &c.
Take of Bate's anodyne balsam an ounce; of the
expressed oil of mace half an ounce; oil of mint two
drachms. Let these ingredients be mixed together,
and about a table-spoonful well rubbed on the parts
at bed-time.
For strengthening the stomach and bowels, and
consequently for lessening the production of flatu-
lence, the Peruvian bark, bitters, chalybeates, and
exercise are good. In flatulent cases, some nutmeg
or ginger should be added to the tincture of the
bark and bitters, and the aromatic powder should
be joined with the filings of iron.
When windy complaints are attended with cos-
tiveness, which is often the case, few things will be
found to answer better than four or five of the fol-
lowing pills taken every night at bed-time:
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
211
Take of assafoetida two drachms; succotrine aloes,
salt of iron, and powdered ginger, of each one
drachm; as much of the elixir proprietatis as will be
sufficient to form them into pills.
On the other hand, when the body is too open,
twelve or fifteen grains of rhubarb, with half a
drachm, or two scruples of the Japonic confec-
tion given every other evening, will have very good
effects.
In those flatulent complaints which come on about
the time the menses cease, repeated small bleedings
often give more relief than any other remedy.
OF LOW SPIRITS.
ALL who have weak nerves are subject to low spirits
in a greater or less degree. Generous diet, the cold
bath, exercise, and amusements, are the most likely
means to remove this complaint. It is greatly in-
creased by solitude and indulging gloomy ideas, but
may often be relieved by cheerful company and
sprightly amusements.
When low spirits are owing to a weak relaxed state
of the stomach and bowels, an infusion of the Peru-
vian bark with cinnamon or nutmeg will be proper.
Steel joined with aromatics may likewise in this
case be used with advantage; but riding, and a pro-
per diet, are most to be depended on.
When they arise from a foulness of the stomach
and intestines, or obstructions in the hypochondriac
viscera, aloetic purges will be proper. I have
sometimes known the Harrogate or Tunbridge wa-
ter of service in this case.
When low spirits proceed from a suppression of
the menstrual or of the hæmorrhoidal flux, these
evacuations may either be restored, or some others
substituted in their place, as issues, setons, or the
like. Dr. Whyte observes, that nothing has such
sudden good effects in this case as bleeding.
2:2
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
OF HYSTERIC AFFECTIONS.
THESE likewise belong to the numerous tribe of
nervous diseases, which may be justly reckoned the
reproach of medicine. Women of a delicate habit,
whose stomach and intestines are relaxed, and whose
nervous system is extremely sensible, are most sub-
ject to hysteric complaints.
In such persons an
hysteric fit, as it is called, may be brought on by
au irritation of the nerves of the stomach or intes-
tines, by wind, acrid humour, or the like. A sup-
pression of the menses often gives rise to hysteric
fits. They may likewise be excited by violent pas-
sions or affections of the mind, as fear, grief, anger,
or great disappointments.
Sometimes the hysteric fit resembles a swoon or
fainting fit, during which the patient lies as in a
sleep, only the breathing is so low as scarcely to be
perceived. At other times the patient is affected
with catchings and strong convulsions. The symp-
toms which precede hysteric fits are likewise vari-
ous in different persons. Sometimes the fit comes
on with coldness of the extremities, yawning and
stretching, lowness of spirits, oppression and anx-
iety. At other times the approach of the fit is fore-
told by a feeling, as if there were a ball at the low-
er part of the belly, which gradually rises towards
the stomach, where it occasions inflation, sickness,
and sometimes vomiting; afterwards it rises into
the throat, and occasions a degree of suffocation, to
which, quick breathing, palpitation of the heart,
giddiness of the head, dimness of the sight, loss of
hearing, with convulsive motions of the extremities
and other parts of the body, succeed. The hysteric
paroxysm is often introduced by an immoderate fit
of laughter, and sometimes it goes off by crying.
Indeed there is not much difference between the
laughing and crying of an hysteric lady.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
213
Our aim in the treatment of this disease must be
to shorten the fit or paroxysm when present, and
to prevent its return. The longer the fits continue,
and the more frequently they return, the disease
becomes the more obstinate. Their strength is in-
creased by habit, and they induce so great a re-
laxation of the system, that it is with difficulty re-
moved.
It is customary, during the hysteric fit or parox-
ysm, to bleed the patient. In strong persons of a
plethoric habit, and where the pulse is full, this may
be proper; but in weak and delicate constitutions,
or where the disease has been of long standing, or
arises from inanition, it is not safe. The best course
in such cases is to rouse the patient by strong smells
as burnt feathers, assafoetida, or spirits of harts-
horn, held to the nose. Hot bricks may also
be applied to the feet; and the legs, arms, and
belly, may be strongly rubbed with a warm cloth.
But the best application is, to put the feet and legs
into warm water. This is particularly proper when
the fits precede the flow of the menses. In case of
costiveness, a laxative clyster with assafoetida will
be proper and as soon as the patient can swal-
low, two table-spoonsful of a solution of assafœti-
da, or of some cordial julep, may be given fre-
quently.
The radical cure of this disorder will be best at-
tempted at a time when the patient is most free from
the fits. It will be greatly promoted by a proper
attention to diet. A milk and vegetable diet, when
duly persisted in, will often perform a cure. If,
however, the patient has been accustomed to a more
generous diet, it will not be safe to leave it off at
once, but by degrees. The most proper drink is
water with a small quantity of spirits. A cool dry
air is the best. Cold-bathing, and everything that
braces the nerves, and invigorates the system, is
beneficial; but lying too long in bed, or whatever
214
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
relaxes the body, is hurtful. It is of the greatest
importance to have the mind kept constantly easy
and cheerful, and if possible, to have it always en-
gaged in some agreeable and interesting pursuit.
The proper medicines are those which strengthen
the alimentary canal, and the whole nervous sys-
tem, as the preparations of iron, the Peruvian bark,
and other bitters. Twenty drops of the elixir of vit-
riol, in a cup of the infusion of the bark may be ta-
ken in substance, provided the stomach can bear
them; but they are generally given in too small
doses to have any effect. The chalybeate waters.
generally prove beneficial in this disorder.
If the stomach is loaded with phlegm, vomits will
be of use, but they should not be too strong, nor fre-
quently repeated, as they tend to relax and weaken
the stomach. If there is a tendency to costiveness,
it must be removed either by diet, or by taking
an opening pill as often as it shall be found neces-
sary.
To lessen the irritability of the system, antispas-
modic medicines will be of use. The best antispas-
modic medicines are musk, opium, and castor.
When opium disagrees with the stomach, it may ei-
ther be applied externally, or given in clysters. It
is often successful in removing those periodical
head-aches to which hysteric and hypochondriac
patients are subject. Castor has in some cases been
found to procure sleep where opium failed; for
which reason Dr. Whyte advises, that they should
be joined together, He likewise recommends the
anti-hysteric plaster to be applied to the abdomen.
Hysteric women are often afflicted with cramps
in various parts of the body, which are most apt to
seize them in bed, or when asleep. The most effi-
cacious medicines in this case are opium, blistering
plasters, and warm bathing or fomentations. When
the cramp or spasm is very violent, opium is the re-
medy most to be depended on. In milder cases,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
215
immersing the feet and legs in warm water, or ap-
plying a blistering plaster to the part affected, will
often be sufficient to remove the complaint. In
patients whose nerves are uncommonly delicate and
sensible, it will be better to omit the blistering plas-
ter, and to attempt the cure by opiates, musk, cam-
phire, and the warm bath.
Cramps are often prevented or cured by compres-
sion. Thus cramps in the legs are prevented, and
sometimes removed, by tight bandages; and when
convulsions arise from a flatulent distention of the
intestines, or from spasms beginning in them, they
may be often lessened or cured by making a pretty
strong compression upon the abdomen by means of
a broad belt. A roll of brimstone held in the hand
is frequently used as a remedy for cramps. Though
this seems to owe its effect chiefly to imagination,
yet, as it sometimes succeeds, it merits a trial. When
spasms or convulsive motions arise from sharp hu-
mours in the stomach or intestines, no lasting re-
lief can be procured till these are either corrected
or expelled. The Peruvian bark has sometimes
cured periodic convulsions after other medicines had
failed.
OF THE HYPOCHONDRIAC AFFEC-
TIONS.
THIS disease generally attacks the indolent, the
luxurious, the unfortunate, and the studious. It has
so near a resemblance to the immediately preced-
ing, that many authors consider them as the same
disease, and treat them accordingly. They require
however a very different regimen; and the symp-
toms of the latter, though less violent, are more per-
manent than those of the former.
Men of a melancholy temperament, whose minds
are capable of great attention, and whose passions are
not easily moved, are, in the advanced period of
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
life, most liable to this disease. It is usually brought
on by long and serious attention to abstruse sub-
jects, grief, the suppression of customary evacua-
tions, excess of venery, the repulsion of cutaneous
eruptions, long-continued evacuations, obstructions.
in some of the viscera, as the liver, spleen, &c.
Hypochondriac persons ought never to fast long,
and their food should be solid and nourishing. All
acescent and windy vegetables are to be avoided.
Flesh meats agree best with them, and their drink
should be old claret, or good Madeira. Should these
disagree with the stomach, water with a little brandy
or rum in it may be drunk.
Cheerfulness and serenity of mind are by all
means to be cultivated. Exercise of every kind is
useful. The cold-bath is likewise beneficial; and
where it does not agree with the patient, friction with
the flesh-brush or a coarse cloth, may be tried. If
the patient has it in his power, he ought to tra-
vel, either by sea or land. A voyage, or a long
journey, especially towards a warmer climate, will
be of more service than any medicine.
The general intentions of cure in this disease, are
to strengthen the alimentary canal, and to promote
the secretions. These intentions will be the best
answered by the different preparations of iron and
the Peruvian bark, which, after proper evacuations,
may be taken in the same manner as directed in the
preceding disease.
If the patient be costive, it will be necessary to
make use of some gentle opening medicine, as pills
composed of equal parts of aloes, rhubarb, and assa-
foetida, with as much of the elixir proprietatis as is
necessary to form the ingredients into pills. Two,
three, or four of these may be taken as often as it
shall be found needful to keep the body gently open.
Such as cannot bear the asasfoetida, may substitute
Spanish soap in its place.
Though a cheerful glass may have good effects in
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
217
>
this disease, yet all manner of excess is hurtful. In-
tense study, and every thing that depresses the spi-
rits, are likewise pernicious.
In all persons afflicted with nervous disorders,
there is a great delicacy and sensibility of the whole
system, and an uncommon degree of weakness of
the organs of digestion, These may be either natu-
ral or acquired. When owing to a defect in the con-
stitution, they are hardly to be removed, but may
be mitigated by proper care. When induced by dis-
eases, as long or repeated fevers, profuse hæmor-
rhages, or the like, they prove also very obstinate,
and will yield only to a course of regimen calculat-
ed to restore and invigorate the habit.
But nervous affections arise more frequently from
causes which it is in a great measure in our own
power to avoid, than from diseases, or an original
fault in the constitution, &c. Excessive grief, in-
tense study, improper diet, and neglect of exercise,
are the great sources of this extensive class of dis-
eases.
With regard to diet, I shall only observe, that ner-
vous diseases may be induced either by excess or
inanition. Both of these extremes hurt the diges-
tion, and vitiate the humours. When nature is op-
pressed with fresh loads of food, before she has had
time to digest and assimilate the former meal, her
powers are weakened, and the vessels are filled with
crude humours. On the other hand, when the food
is not sufficiently nourishing, or is taken too seldom,
the bowels are inflated with wind, and the humours,
for want of regular, fresh supplies of wholesome
chyle, are vitiated. These extremes are therefore
with equal care to be avoided. They both tend to
induce a relaxation and debility of the nervous sys-
tem, with all its dreadful train of consequences.
But the most general cause of nervous disorders
is indolence. The active and laborious are seldom
troubled with them. They are reserved for the chil-
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
dren of ease and affluence, who generally feel their
keenest force. All we shall say to such persons is,
that the means of prevention and cure are both in
their own power. If the constitution of human na-
ture be such, that man must either labour or suffer
diseases, surely no individual has any right to ex-
pect an exemption from the general rule.
DISORDERS OF THE SENSES.
We do not mean to treat of the nature of our sensa-
tions, or to give a minute description of the various
organs by which they are performed; but to point
out some of the diseases to which these organs are
most liable, and to show how they may be prevent-
ed or remedied.
OF THE EYE.
In all diseases of the eyes, especially those attend-
ed with inflammation, the cold regimen ought to be
observed. The patient must abstain from all spiri-
tuous liquors. The smoke of tobacco, smoky rooms,
the vapours of onions and garlic, and all vivid lights
and glaring colours, are carefully to be avoided.
The drink may be water, whey, or small beer; and
the aliment must be light and of easy digestion.
For preventing disorders of the eyes, issues and
setons are of prime use. Every person, whose eyes
are tender, ought to have one or more of these in
some part of the body. It will likewise be of use
to keep the body gently open, and either to bleed
or purge every spring and fall. All excess and
night studies are to be avoided. Such as do not
choose a seton or an issue, will reap benefit from
wearing a small Burgundy-pitch plaster between
their shoulders.
A gulta serena, or amaurosis, is an abolition of the
sight, without any apparent cause or fault in the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
219
eyes. When it is owing to a decay or wasting of
the optic nerve, it does not admit of a cure; but
when it proceeds from a compression of the nerves
by redundant humours, these may in some measure
be drained off, and the patient relieved. For this
purpose the body must be kept open with the laxa-
tive mercurial pills. If the patient be young and
of a sanguine habit, he may be bled. Cupping, with
scarifications on the back part of the head, will like-
wise be of use. A running at the nose may be pro-
moted by volatile salts, stimulating powders, &c.
But the most likely means for relieving the patient
are issues or blisters kept open for a long time on
the back part of the head, behind the ears, or on the
neck. I have known these restore sight, even after
it had been for a considerable time lost.
Should these fail, recourse must be had to mer-
curial salivation; or, what will perhaps answer the
purpose better, twelve grains of the corrosive subli-
mate of mercury may be dissolved in an English
pint and a half of brandy, and a table-spoonful of
it taken twice a-day, drinking half a pint of the de-
coction of sarsaparilla after it.
A cataract is an obstruction of the pupil, by the
interposition of some opaque substance, which ei-
ther diminishes or totally extinguishes the sight.
It is generally an opacity of the crystalline humour.
In a recent or beginning cataract, the same medi-
cines are to be used as in the gutta serena; and they
will sometimes succeed. But when this does not
happen, and the cataract becomes firm, it must be
couched, or rather extracted. I have resolved a re-
cent cataract by giving the patient frequent purges
with calomel, keeping a poultice of fresh hemlock
constantly upon the eye, and a perpetual blister on
the neck.
The myopia, or short-sightedness, and the presbyo-
pia, or seeing only at too great a distance, are disor-
ders which depend on the original structure or fi-
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
gure of the eye; therefore admit of no cure. The
inconveniences arising from them may however be
in some measure remedied by the help of proper
glasses. The former requires the aid of a concave,
and the latter of a convex,glass.
A strabismus or squinting, depends upon an irre-
gular contraction of the muscles of the eye, from a
spasm, palsy, epilepsy, or an ill habit. Children
often contract this disorder by having their eyes un-
equally exposed to the light. They may likewise
acquire it by imitation from a squinting nurse, or
play-fellow, &c. As this disorder can hardly be
cured, parents ought to be careful to prevent it.
Almost the only thing which can be done for it is to
contrive a mask for the child to wear, which will on-
ly permit him to see in a straight direction.
Spots or specks on the eyes are generally the ef
fect of inflammation, and often appear after the
small-pox, the measles, or ophthalmia. They are
very difficult to cure, and often occasion total blind-
ness. If the specks are soft and thin, they may
sometimes be taken off by gentle caustics and dis-
cutients as vitriol, the juice of celandine, &c.
When these do not succeed, a surgical operation
may be tried; the success of this, however, is al-
ways very doubtful.
The blood-shot eye may be occasioned by a stroke,
a fall, retching, vomiting, violent coughing, &c. Í
have frequently known it happen to children in the
hooping-cough. It appears at first like a bit of
scarlet, and is afterwards of a livid or blackish col-
our; this disorder generally goes off without medi-
cine. Should it prove obstinate, the patient may
be bled, and have his eyes fomented with a decoc-
tion of comphry roots and elder flowers. A soft
poultice may be applied to the eyes; and the body
should be kept open by gentle purgatives.
The watery or weeping eye, is generally occasion-
ed by a relaxation or weakness of the glandular parts
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
221
of that organ. These may be braced and strength-
ened by bathing the eye with brandy and water,
Hungary-water, rose-water, with white vitriol dis-
solved in it, &c. Medicines which make a revul-
sion are likewise proper; as mild purgatives, per-
petual blisters on the neck, bathing the feet fre-
quently in lukewarm water, &c.
When this disease proceeds from an obstruction
of the lachrymal duct or natural passage of the tears,
it is called a fistula lachrymalis, and can only be cur-
ed by a surgical operation.
OF A SCHIRRUS AND CANCER.
A SCHIRRUS is a hard indolent tumour, usually seat-
ed in some of the glands, as the breast, the arm-
pits, &c. If the tumour becomes large, unequal, of
à livid, blackish, or leaden colour, and is attended
with violent pain, it gets the name of an occult can-
cer. When the skin is broken, and a sanies or ich-
orous matter of an abominably foetid smell is dis-
charged from the sore, it is called an open or ulcer-
ated cancer. Persons after the age of forty-five,
particularly women, and those who lead an indolent
sedentary life are most subject to this disease.
CAUSES. This disease is often owing to suppress-
ed evacuations; hence it proves so frequently fatal
to women of a gross habit, particularly old maids
and widows, about the time when the menstrual flux
ceases. It may likewise be occasioned by excessive
fear, grief, anger, religious melancholy, or any of
the depressing passions. Hence the unfortunate,
the choleric, and those persons who devote them-
selves to a religious life in convents or monasteries,
are often afflicted with it. It may also be occasion-
ed by the long-continued use of food that is too hard
of digestion, or of an acrid nature; by barrenness,
celibacy, indolence, colds, blows, friction, pressure,
or the like. Women often suffer from the last of
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
these, by means of their stays, which squeeze and
compress their breasts so as to occasion great mis-
chief. Sometimes the disease is owing to an here-
ditary disposition.
SYMPTOMS.-This disorder seems often very tri-
fling at the beginning. A hard tumour about the size
of a hazel-nut, or perhaps smaller, is generally the
first symptom. This will often continue for a long
time without seeming to increase, or giving the
patient great uneasiness; but if the constitution be
hurt, or the tumour irritated by pressure or im-
proper treatment of any kind, it begins to extend
itself towards the neighbouring parts, by pushing
out a kind of roots and limbs. It then gets the
name of cancer, from a fancied resemblance between
these limbs and the claws of a crab. The colour of
the skin begins to change, wnich is first red, after-
wards purple, then bluish, livid, and at last black.
The patient complains of heat, with a burning,
gnawing, shooting pain. The tumour is very hard,
rough, and unequal, with a protuberance, or rising,
in the middle; its size increases daily, and the
neighbouring veins become thick, knotty, and of a
blackish colour.
The skin at length gives way, and a thin sharp
ichor begins to flow, which corrodes the neighbour-
ing parts till it forms a large unsightly ulcer. More
occult cancers arise and communicate with neigh-
bouring glands. The pain and stench become in-
tolerable; the appetite fails; the strength is ex-
hausted by a continual hectic fever; at last a violent
hæmorrhage, or discharge of blood, from some part
of the body, with faintings or convulsion fits, gen-
erally puts an end to the miserable patient's life.
REGIMEN.-The diet ought to be light, but nour-
ishing. All strong liquors, and high-seasoned or
salted provisions, are to be avoided. The patient
may take as much exercise as he can easily bear ;
and should use every method to divert thought, and
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
223
amuse his fancy. All kinds of external injury are
carefully to be guarded against, particularly of the
affected part, which ought to be defended from all
pressures, and even from the external air, by cover-
ing it with fur or soft flannel.
MEDICINE.-This is one of those diseases for
which no certain remedy is yet known. Its pro-
gress, however, may sometimes be retarded, and
some of its most disagreeable symptoms mitigated,
by proper applications. One misfortune attending
the disease is, that the unhappy patient often con-
ceals it too long. Were proper means used in due
time, a cancer might often be prevented: but after
the disorder has arrived at a certain height, it gen-
erally sets all medicine at defiance.
When a schirrous tumour is first discovered, the
patient ought to observe a proper regimen, and to
take twice or thrice a-week a dose of the common
purging mercurial pill. Some blood may also be
let, and the part affected may be gently rubbed twice
a-day, with a little of the mercurial ointment, and
kept warm with fur or flannel. The food must be
light, and an English pint of the decoction of woods
of sarsaparilla may be drunk daily. I have some-
times discussed hard tumours, which had the ap-
pearance of beginning cancers, by a course of this
kind.
Should the tumour, however, not yield to this
treatment, but on the contrary, become larger and
harder, it will be proper to extirpate it, either by the
knife or caustic. Indeed, whenever this can be done
with safety, the sooner it is done the better. It can
answer no purpose to extirpate a cancer after the
constitution is ruined, or the whole mass of humours
corrupted by it. This, however, is the common
way, which makes the operation so seldom succeed.
Few people will submit to the extirpation till death
stares them in the face; whereas, if it were done
early, the patient's life would not be endangered by
224
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE,
·
the operation, and it would generally prove a radi-
cal cure.
When the cancer is so situated that it cannot be
cut off, or if the patient will not submit to the ope-
ration, such medicines as will mitigate or relieve
the most urgent symptoms may be used. Dr. Home
says, that half a grain of corrosive sublimate of
mercury, dissolved in a proper quantity of brandy,
and taken every night and morning, will often be
of service in cancers of the face and nose. He like-
wise recommends an infusion of the solanum, or
night-shade, in cancers of the breasts.
But the medicine most in repute at present for
this disease is hemlock. Dr. Storck, a physician at
Vienna, has of late recommended the extract of this
plant as very efficacious in cancers of every kind.
The Doctor says he has given some hundred weights
of it without ever hurting any body, and often with
manifest advantage. He advises the patient, how-
ever, to begin with very small doses, as two or
three grains, and to increase the dose gradually,
till some good effect be perceived, and there to rest
without further increase. From two or three grains
at first, the Doctor says he has increased the dose
to two, three, or four drachms a-day, and finds that
such doses may be continued for several weeks with-
out any bad consequences.
The regimen which the Doctor recommends
during the use of the medicine is to avoid farinace-
ous substances not fermented, and too acrid aroma-
tics. He says, good wine will not be hurtful to those
who are accustomed to it, nor a moderate use of
acids; and adds, that the patient should live in a
pure free air, and keep his mind as quiet and cheer-
ful as possible.
The Doctor does not pretend to fix the time in
which a cancer may be resolved by the use of hem-
lock, but says, he has given it for above two years
in large doses without any apparent benefit; never-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
225
theless the patient has been cured by persisting
in the use of it for half a year longer. This is, at
least encouragement to give it a fair trial. Though
we are far from thinking the hemlock merits those
extravagant encomiums which the Doctor has be-
stowed upon it, yet, in a disease which has so long
baffled the boasted powers of medicine, we think it
ought always to be tried.
The powder of hemlock is by some preferred to
the extract. They are both made of the fresh leaves,
and may be used nearly in the same manner. Dr.
Nicholson, of Berwick, says, he gradually increased
the dose of the powder from a few grains to half a
drachm, and gave nearly four drachms of it in a day
with remarkably good effects. The hemlock may
also be used externally either as a poultice or fo-
mentation. The sore may likewise be kept clean
by injecting daily a strong decoction of the tops of
leaves into it.
Few things contribute more to the healing of foul
sordid ulcers of any kind, than keeping them
thoroughly clean. This ought never to be neglect-
ed. The best application for this purpose seems to be
the carrot poultice. The root of the common carrot
may be grated, and moistened with as much water
as will bring it to the consistence of a poultice or
cataplasın. This may be applied to the sore, and
renewed twice a-day. It generally cleans the sore,
eases the pain, and takes away the disagreeable
smell, which are objects of no small importance in
such a dreadful disorder.
Wort, or an infusion of malt, has been recom-
mended not only as a proper drink, but as a powerful
medicine in this disease. It must be frequently
made fresh, and the patient may take it at pleasure.
Two, three, or even four English pints of it may be
drunk every day for a considerable time. No bene-
fit can be expected from any medicine in this dis-
ease, unless it be persisted in for a long time. It is
179
P
226
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
of too obstinate a nature to be soon removed; and,
when it admits of a cure at all, it must be brought
about by inducing an almost total change of the
habit, which must always be a work of time. Se-
tons or issues in the neighbourhood of the cancer
have sometimes good effects.
When all other medicines fail, recourse must be
had to opium, as a kind of solace. This will not in-
deed cure the disease, but it will ease the patient's
agony, and render life more tolerable while it con-
tinues.
OF POISONS.
EVERY person ought, in some measure, to be ac-
quainted with the nature and cure of poisons.
They are generally taken unawares, and their effects
are often so sudden and violent, as not to admit of
delay, or allow time to procure the assistance of
physicians. Happily indeed no great degree of
inedical knowledge is here necessary; the remedies.
for most poisons being generally at hand, are easily
obtained, and nothing but common prudence need-
ful in the application of them.
The vulgar notion that every poison is cured by
some counter-poison, as a specific, has done much
hurt. People believe they can do nothing for the
patient, unless they know the particular antidote to
that kind of poison which he has taken. Whereas
the cure of all poisons taken into the stomach, with-
out exception, depends chiefly on discharging them
as soon as possible.
There is no case wherein the indications of cure
are more obvious. Poison is seldom long in the
stomach before it occasions sickness, with an in-
clination to vomit. This shows plainly what ought
to be done. Indeed, common sense dictates to every
one, that, if any thing has been taken into the sto-
mach which endangers life, it ought immediately
EUCIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
227
to be discharged. Were this duly regarded, the
danger arising from poisons might generally
be avoided. The method of prevention is ob-
vious, and the means are in the hands of every one.
Poisons either belong to the mineral, the vegeta-
ble, or the animal kingdom.
Mineral poisons are commonly of an acrid or cor-
rosive quality; as arsenic, cobalt, the corrosive sub-
limate of mercury, &c.
Those of the vegetable kind are generally of a nar-
cotic or stupefactive quality; as poppy, hemlock,
henbane, berries of the deadly night-shade, &c.
Poisonous animals communicate their infection
cither by the bite or sting. This poison is very
different from the former, and only produces its ef-
fects when received into the body by a wound.
MINERAL POISONS.-Arsenic is the most com-
mon of this class; and as the whole of them are
pretty similar both in their effect and method of
cure, what is said with respect to it will be applica-
ble to every other species of corrosive poison.
When a person has taken arsenic, he soon per-
ceives a burning heat, and a violent pricking pain
in his stomach and bowels, and an intolerable thirst,
and an inclination to vomit. The tongue and throat
feel rough and dry; and, if proper means be not
soon administered, the patient is seized with great
anxiety, hiccuping, faintings, and coldness of the
extremities. To these succeed black vomits, fœtid
stools, with a mortification of the stomach and in-
testines, which are the immediate forerunners of
death.
On the first appearance of these symptoms, the
patient should drink large quantities of new milk
and salad-oil till he vomits; or he may drink warm
water mixed with oil. Fat broths are likewise pro-
per, provided they can be got ready in time. Where
no oil is to be had, fresh butter may be melted and
mixed with the milk or water. These things are to
228
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
be drunk as long as the inclination to vomit con-
tinues. Some have drunk eight or ten English
quarts before the vomiting ceased; and it is never
safe to leave off drinking while one particle of the
poison remains in the stomach.
These oily or fat substances not only provoke
vomiting, but likewise blunt the acrimony of the
poison, and prevent its wounding the bowels; but
if they should not make the person vomit, half a
drachm or two scruples of the powder of ipecacu-
anha must be given, or a few spoonfuls of the oxymel
or vinegar of squills may be mixed with the water
which he drinks. Vomiting may likewise be ex-
cited by tickling the inside of the throat with a
feather. Should these methods however fail, half a
drachm of white vitriol, or five or six grains of eme-
tic tartar, must be administered.
If tormenting pains are felt in the lower belly,
and there is reason to fear that the poison has got
down to the intestines, clysters of milk and oil must
be very frequently thrown up; and the patient must
drink emollient decoctions of barley oatmeal, marsh-
mallows, and such like. He must likewise take an
infusion of senna and manna, a solution of Glauber's
salts, or some other purgative.
After the poison has been evacuated, the patient
ought, for some time, to live upon milk, broth,
gruel, light puddings, and other spoon-meats of easy
digestion. His drink should be barley-water, lin-
seed tea, or infusions of any of the mild mucilagin-
ous vegetables.
VEGETABLE POISONS, besides heat and pain of
the stomach, commonly occasion some degree of
giddiness, and often a kind of stupidity or folly.
Persons who have taken these poisons, must be
treated in the same manner as for the mineral cor-
rosive.
Though the vegetable poisons, when allowed to
remain in the stomach, often prove fatal; yet the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
229
danger is generally over as soon as they are dis-
charged. Not being of such a caustic or corrosive
nature, they are less apt to wound or inflame the
bowels, than mineral substances; no time however
ought to be lost in having them discharged.
Opium, being frequently taken by mistake, merits
particular attention. It is used as a medicine
both in a solid and liquid form, which latter com-
monly goes by the name of laudanum. It is, indeed,
a valuable medicine when taken in proper quantity;
but, as an over-dose proves a strong poison, we shall
point out its common effects, together with the
inethod of cure.
An over-dose of opium generally occasions great
drowsiness, with stupor and other apoplectic symp-
toms. Sometimes the person has so great an incli-
nation to sleep, that it is almost impossible to keep
him awake. Every method, however, must be tried
for this purpose. He should be tossed, shaken, and
moved about. Sharp blistering plasters should be
applied to his legs or arms, and stimulating medi-
cines, as salts of hartshorn, &c. held under his nose.
It will also be proper to let blood. At the same
time every method must be taken to make him dis-
charge the poison. This may be done in the man-
ner directed above, viz. by the use of strong vomits,
drinking plenty of warm water, with oil, &c.
Mead, besides vomits, in this case, recommends
acid medicines with laxival salts. He says, that he
has often given salt of wormwood mixed with juice
of lemon, in repeated doses, with great success.
If the body should remain weak and languid after
the poison has been discharged, nourishing diet and
cordials will be proper; but when there is reason to
fear that the stomach or bowels are inflamed, the
greatest circumspection is necessary, both with re-
gard to food and medicine.
230
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
OF THE BITES OF POISONOUS ANI-
MALS.
We shall begin with the bite of a mad-dog, as it is
both the most common and dangerous animal poison
in this country.
The creatures naturally liable to contract this dis-
ease are, as far as we yet know, all of the dog-kind,
viz. foxes, dogs, and wolves. Hence it is called the
rabies canina, or dog-madness. Of the last we have
none in this island; and it so seldom happens that
any body is bit by the first, that they scarcely de-
serve to be taken notice of. If such a thing should
happen, the method of treatment is precisely the
same as for the bite of a mad-dog.
The symptoms of madness in a dog are as follows:
At first he looks dull, shows an aversion to food and
company he does not bark as usual, but seems to
murimur, is peevish, and apt to bite strangers; his
ears and tail droop more than usual, and he appears
drowsy; afterwards he begins to loll out his tongue,
and froth at the mouth, his eye seeming heavy aud
watery; he now, if not confined, takes off, runs
panting along with a kind of dejected air, and en-
deavours to bite every one he meets. Other dogs
are said to fly from him. Some think this a certain.
sign of madness, supposing that they know him by
the smell; but it is not to be depended on. If he
escapes being killed, he seldom runs above two or
three days, till he dies exhausted with heat, hunger,
and fatigue.
The disease is most frequent after long dry, hot
seasons; and such dogs as live upon putrid stinking
carrion, without having enough fresh water, are
most liable to it.
When any person has been bit by a dog, the
strictest inquiry ought to be made whether the dog
was really mad. Many disagreeable consequences
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
231
arise from neglecting to ascertain this point. Some
people have lived in continual anxiety for many
years, because they had been bit by a dog which
they believed to be mad; but, as he had been killed
on the spot, it was impossible to ascertain the fact.
This should induce us, instead of killing a dog the
moment he has bit any person, to do all in our power
to keep him alive, at least till we can be certain
whether he be mad or not.
Many circumstances may contribute to make
people imagine a dog mad. He loses his master,
runs about in quest of him, is set upon by other
dogs, and perhaps by men. The creature, thus
frightened, beat, and abused, looks wild, and lolls
out his tongue as he runs along. Immediately a
erowd is after him; while he, finding himself closely
pursued, and taking every one he meets for an ene-
my, naturally attempts to bite him in self-defence.
He soon gets knocked on the head, and it passes
currently that he was mad, as it is then impossible
to prove the contrary.
This being the true history of by far the greater
part of those dogs which pass for mad, is it any won-
der that numberless whimsical medicines have been
extolled for preventing the effects of their bite? This
readily accounts for the great variety of infallible
remedies for the bite of a mad-dog, which are to be
met with in almost every family. Though not one
in a thousand has any claim to merit, yet they are
all supported by numberless vouchers. No wonder
that imaginary diseases should be cured by imagin-
ary remedies. In this way, credulous people first
impose upon themselves, and then deceive others.
The same medicine which was supposed to prevent
the effects of the bite, when the dog was not mad, is
recommended to a person who has had the misfor-
fortune to be bit by a dog that was really mad. He
takes it, trusts to it, and is undone.
To these mistakes we must impute the frequent
232
BUCILAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
ill success of the medicines used for preventing the
effects of the bite of a mad dog. It is not owing so
much to a defect in medicine, as to wrong applica-
tions. I am persuaded, if proper medicines were
administered immediately after the bite is received,
and continued for a sufficient length of time, we
would not lose one in a thousand of those who have
the misfortune to be bit by a mad dog.
This poison is generally communicated by a
wound, which nevertheless heals as soon as a com-
mon wound; but afterwards it begins to feel pain-
ful, and as the pain spreads towards the neighbour-
ing parts, the person becomes heavy and listless.
His sleep is unquiet, with frightful dreams; he
sighs, looks dull, and loves solitude. These are
the forerunners, or rather the first symptoms, of
that dreadful disease occasioned by the bite of a mad
dog. But as we do not propose to treat fully on the
disease itself, but to point out the method of pre-
venting it, we shall not take up time in showing its
progress from the first invasion to its commonly
fatal end.
The common notion, that this poison may lie in
the body for many years, and afterwards prove fa-
tal, is both hurtful and ridiculous. It must render
such persons as have had the misfortune to be bit
very unhappy, and can have no good effects. If
the person takes proper medicines for forty days
after the time of his being bit, and feels no
symptoms of the disease, there is reason to believe
him out of danger. Some have indeed gone mad
twelve months after being bit, but seldom later.
The medicines recommended for preventing the
effects of the bite of a mad dog, are chiefly such as
promote the different secretions, and antispasmodics.
Dr. Mead recommends a preventive medicine,
which he says he never knew fail, though in the
space of thirty years he had used it a thousand
times.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
233
The Doctor's prescription is as follows:-
'Take ash-coloured ground liver-wort, cleaned,
dried, and powdered, half an ounce; of black pep-
per powdered, a quarter of an ounce. Mix these
well together, and divide the powder into four doses
one of which must be taken every morning fasting,
for four mornings successively, in half an English
pint of cow's milk, warm.
'After these four doses are taken, the patient
must go into the cold bath, or a cold spring or riv-
er, every morning fasting for a month; he must be
dipped all over, but not stay in (with his head above
water) longer than half a minute, if the water be very
cold. After this he must go in three times a week
for a fortnight longer.
"The person must be bled before he begins to use
the medicine.'
We shall next mention the famous East-India
specific, as it is called. This medicine is composed
of cinnabar and musk. It is esteemed a great anti-
spasmodic; and by many extolled as an infallible
remedy for preventing the effects of the bite of a
mad dog.
"Take native and factitious cinnabar, of each
twenty-four grains; musk, sixteen grains. Let these
be made into a fine powder, and taken in a glass of
arrack or brandy.'
This single dose is said to secure the person for
thirty days, at the end of which it must be repeated;
but if he has any symptoms of the disease, it must
be repeated in three hours.
The following is likewise reckoned a good anti-
spasmodic medicine.
"Take of Virginian snake-root in powder, half a
drachm; gum assafoetida, twelve grains; gum cam-
phire, seven grains; make these into a bolus with a
little syrup of saffron.'
Camphire may also be given in the following
manner :-
234
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
Take purified nitre, half an ounce; Virginian
snake-root in powder, two drachms; camphire, one
drachm; rub them together in a mortar, and divide
the whole into ten doses.'
Mercury is likewise recommended as of great ef-
ficacy both in the prevention and cure of this kind
of madness. When used as a preventive, it will be
sufficient to rub daily a drachm of the ointment into
the parts about the wound.
Vinegar is likewise of considerable service, and
should be taken freely, either in the patient's food
or drink.
These are the principal medicines recommended
for preventing the effects of the bite of a mad-dog.
We would not, however, advise people to trust to
any one of them; but from a proper combination
of their different powers, there is the greatest reason
to hope for success.
The great error in the use of these medicines lies
in not taking them for a sufficient length of time.
They are used more like charms, than medicines
intended to produce any change in the body. To
this, and not to the insufficiency of the medicines,
we must impute their frequent want of success.
Dr. Mead says, that the virtue of his medicine
consists in promoting urine. But how a poison
should be expelled by urine, with only three or four
doses of any medicine, however powerful, it is not
easy to conceive. More time is certainly necessary,
even though the medicines were more powerful than
that which the Doctor prescribes.
The East-India specific is still more exception-
able on this account.
As these and most other medicines, taken singly,
have frequently been found to fail, we shall recom-
mend the following course :-
If the person be bit in a fleshy part, where there.
is no hazard of hurting any large blood-vessel, the
parts adjacent the wound may be cut away. But if
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
235
this be not done soon after the bite has been re-
ceived, it will be better to omit it.
The wound may be dressed with salt and water,
or a pickle made of vinegar and salt, and afterwards
dressed twice-a day with yellow basilicon with red
precipitate of mercury.
The patient should begin to use either Dr. Mead's
medicine, or some of the others, mentioned above.
If he takes Mead's medicine, he may use it, as the
Doctor directs, for four days successively. Let
him then omit it for two or three days, and again.
repeat the same number of doses as before.
During this course, he must rub into the parts
about the wound, daily, one drachm of mercurial
ointment. This may be done for ten or twelve days
at least.
When this course is over, he may take a purge or
two, and wait a few days till the effect of the mer-
cury be gone off. He must then begin to use the
cold-bath, into which he may go every morning for
five or six weeks. If he should feel cold and chilly
for a long time after coming out of the cold bath,
it will be better to use a tepid one, or to have the
water a little warmed.
In the meantime, we would advise him not to
leave off all internal medicines, but to take either
one of the boluses of snake-root, assafoetida, and
camphire; or one of the powders of nitre, camphire,
and snake-root, twice a-day. These may be used
the whole time he is bathing.
During the use of the mercurial ointment, the
patient must keep within doors, and take nothing
cold.
A proper regimen must be observed throughout
the whole course. The patient should abstain from
flesh, and all salted and high-seasoned provisions.
He must avoid strong liquors, and live mostly upon
a light and rather spare diet. His mind should be
kept as easy and cheerful as possible, and all ex-
236
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
cessive heat and violent passions avoided with the
utmost care.
I have never seen these courses of medicine, with
proper regimen, fail to prevent the hydrophobia;
and cannot help observing, that the want of success
must generally be owing either to the application
of improper medicines, or not using proper ones
for a sufficient length of time.
It is a common notion, if a person be bit by a dog
which is not mad, that, if he should go mad after-
wards, the person would be affected with the disor-
der at the same time; but this notion is too ridicu-
lous to deserve a serious consideration. It is a good
rule, however, to avoid dogs as much as possible, as
the disease is often upon them for some time before
the violent symptoms appear. The hydrophobia
has been occasioned by the bite of a dog which
showed no other symptoms of the disease, but list-
lessness and a sullen disposition.
Though we do not mean to treat fully of the cure
of the hydrophobia, yet we are far from reckoning
it incurable. The notion that this disease could
not be cured, has been productive of the most hor-
rid consequences. It was usual to abandon the un-
happy persons, as soon as they were seized with the
disease, to their fate, to bleed them to death, or to
suffocate them between mattresses or feather beds,
&c. This conduct certainly deserved the severest
punishment. We hope, for the honour of human
nature, it will never again be heard of.
I have never had an opportunity of treating this
disease, and therefore can say nothing of it from my
own experience; but the learned Dr. Tissot says, it
may be cured in the following manner :-
1. The patient must be bled to a considerable
quantity, and this may be repeated twice or thrice,
or even a fourth time, if circumstances require it.
2. The patient should be put, if possible, into a
warm bath; and this should be used twice a-day.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
237
3. He should every day receive two, or even three
emollient clysters.
4. The wound and the parts adjoining to it, should
be rubbed with mercurial ointinent twice a-day.
5. The whole limb which contains the wound should
be rubbed with oil, and be wrapped up in an oily
flannel.
6. Every three hours a dose of Cob's powder
should be taken in a cup of the infusion of lime-
tree and elder flowers. This powder is made by
rubbing together in a mortar, to a very fine powder,
of native and factitious cinnabar, each twenty-four
grains; of musk, sixteen grains.
7. The following bolus is to be given every night,
and to be repeated in the morning, if the patient be
not easy; washing it down with the infusion men-
tioned above: take one drachm of Virginian snake-
root in powder; of camphire and assafoetida, ten
grains each; of opium, one grain; and with a suf-
ficient quantity of conserve, or rob of elder, make a
bolus.
8. If there be a great nausea at the stomach, with
a bitterness in the mouth, thirty-five or forty grains
of ipecacuanha, in powder, may be taken for a
vomit.
9. The patient's food, if he takes any, must be
light; as panado, soups made of farinaceous or
mealy vegetables, &c.
10. If the patient should long continue weak, and
subject to terrors, he may take half a drachm of the
Peruvian bark thrice a-day.
The next poisonous animal which we shall mention
is the VIPER. The grease of this animal rubbed
into the wound, is said to cure the bite. Though
that is all the viper-catchers generally do when bit,
we should not think it sufficient for a bite of an en-
raged viper. It would surely be more safe to have
the wound well sucked, and afterwards rubbed with
warm salad-oil. A poultice of bread and milk, soft-
238
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
ened with salad-oil, should likewise be applied to
the wound; and the patient ought to drink freely
of vinegar, whey, or water-gruel with vinegar in it,
to make him sweat. Vinegar is one of the best
medicines which can be used to any kind of poison,
and ought to be taken very liberally. If the patient
be sick, he may take a vomit. This course will be
sufficient to cure the bite of any of the poisonous
animals of this country.
OF THE VIRULENT GONORRHŒA.
THE Virulent Gonorrhoea is an involuntary dis-
charge of infectious mucus from the parts of
generation in either sex. It generally makes its
appearance within eight or ten days after the infec-
tion has been received; sometimes it appears in
two or three days, and at other times not before the
end of four or five weeks. Previous to the dis-
charge, the patient feels an itching, with a small de-
gree of pain, in the genitals. Afterwards a thin
glary matter begins to distil from the urinary pas-
sage, which stains the linen, and occasions a small
degree of titillation, particularly at the time of mak-
ing water; this gradually increasing, arises at length
to a degree of heat and pain, which are chiefly per-
ceived about the extremity of the urinary passage,
where a slight degree of redness and inflammation
likewise begins to appear.
As the disorder advances, the pain, heat of urine,
and running, increase, while fresh symptoms daily
ensue. In men, the erections become painful and
involuntary, and are more frequent and lasting than
when natural. This symptom is most troublesome
when the patient is warm in bed.
The pain which was at first only perceived to-
wards the extremity, now begins to reach up all the
urinary passage, and is more intense just after the
patient has done making water. The running gra-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
239
dually recedes from the colour of semen, grows
yellow, and at length puts on the appearance of
inucus.
When the disorder has arrived at its height, all
the symptoms are more intense; the heat of urine
is so great, that the patient dreads the making wa-
ter; and though he feels a constant inclination this
way, yet it is rendered with the greatest difficulty,
and often only by drops; the involuntary erections
now become extremely painful and frequent ;
there is also a pain, heat, and sense of fulness about
the seat, and the running is plentiful and sharp,
of a brown, greenish, and sometimes of a bloody co-
lour.
By a proper treatment, the violence of the symp-
toms gradually abates; the heat of urine goes off;
the involuntary and painful erections, and the heat
and pain about the seat, become easier; the running
gradually decreases, grows whiter and thicker, till
at last it entirely disappears.
By attending to these symptoms, the gonorrhoea
may be generally distinguished from any other dis-
ease. There are, however, some few disorders for
which it may be mistaken, as an ulcer of the kid-
neys or bladder, the fluor albus, or whites, in wo-
men, &c.
But in the former of these, the matter
comes away only with the urine, or when the sphinc-
ter or the bladder is open; whereas in a gonor-
rhoea the discharge is constant. The latter is more
difficult to distinguish, and must be known chiefly
from its effects; as pain, communicating the infec-
tion, &c.
REGIMEN. When a person has reason to suspect
that he has caught the venereal infection, he ought
most strictly to observe a cooling regimen, to avoid
every thing of a heating nature, as wines, spirituous
liquors, rich sauces, spices, salted, high-seasoned,
and smoke dried provisions, particularly salt itself in
every shape; as also all aromatic and stimulating
240
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
vegetables, as onions, garlic, shalot, nutmeg, mus-
tard, cinnamon, mace, ginger, and such like. His
food ought chiefly to consist of mild vegetables,
milk, broths, light puddings, panado, gruels, &c.
His drink may be barley-water, milk and water, or
clear whey. Of these he ought to drink plentifully.
Violent exercise of all kinds, especially riding on
horseback, and venereal pleasures, are to be avoid-
ed. The patient must beware of cold, and when
the inflammation is violent, he ought to keep his
bed.
MEDICINE.-A virulent gonorrhoea can rarely be
cured speedily and effectually at the same time.
The patient ought, therefore, not to expect, nor
the physician to promise it. It will often continue
for two or three weeks, and sometimes for five
or six, even where the treatment has been very pro-
per.
Sometimes, indeed, a slight infection may be car-
ried off in a few days, by bathing the parts in warm
milk and water, and injecting frequently up the u-
rethra a little sweet oil or linseed tea, about the
warmth of new milk. Should these not succeed in
carrying off the infection, they will at least have a
tendency to lessen its virulence.
To effect a cure, however, astringent injections
will generally be found necessary. These may be
various ways prepared, but I think those made with
the white vitriol are both more safe and efficacious.
They can be made stronger or weaker as circum-
stances may require; but it is best to begin with
the more gentle, and increase their power if neces-
sary. I generally ordered a drachm of white vi-
triol to be dissolved in eight or nine ounces of com-
mon or rose-water, and an ordinary syringe-full of
it to be thrown up three or four times a-day. If this
quantity does not perform a cure, it may be repeat-
ed, and the dose increased.
Whether injections be used or not, cooling pur-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
241
They
ges are always proper in the gonorrhoea.
ought not, however, to be of the strong or drastic
kind. Whatever raises a violent commotion in the
body, increases the danger, and tends to drive the
disease deeper into the habit. Procuring two or
three stools every second or third day for the first
fortnight, and the same number every fourth or fifth
day for the second, will generally be sufficient to
remove the inflammatory symptoms, to diminish
the running, and to change its colour and consist-
ence. It gradually becomes more white and ropy,
as the virulence abates.
When the inflammatory symptoms run high,
bleeding is always necessary at the beginning. This
operation, as in other topical inflammations, must
be repeated according to the strength and constitu-
tion of the patient, and the vehemence and urgency
of the symptoms.
Medicines which promote the secretion of urine,
are likewise proper in this stage of the disorder.
For this purpose, an ounce of nitre and two ounces
of gum-Arabic, pounded together, may be divided
into twenty-four doses, one of which may be taken
frequently in a cup of the patient's drink. If these
should make him pass his urine so often as to be-
come troublesome to him, he may either take them
less frequently, or leave out the nitre altogether, and
take equal parts of gum-Arabic and cream of tartar.
These may be pounded together, and a tea-spoon-
ful taken in a cup of the patient's drink four or five
times a-day. I have generally found this answer
extremely well, both as a diuretic, and for keeping
the body gently open.
When the pain and inflammation are seated high,
towards the neck of the bladder, it will be proper
frequently to throw up an emollient clyster, which,
besides the benefit of procuring stools, will serve as
a fomentation to the inflamed parts.
Soft poultices, when they can conveniently be
179
Q
242
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
applied to the parts, are of great service. They may
be made of the flour of linseed, or of wheat-bread
and milk softened with fresh butter or sweet oil.
When poultices cannot be conveniently used, cloths
wrung out of warm water, or bladders filled with
warm milk and water, may be applied. I have of-
ten known the most excruciating pains, during the
inflammatory state of the gonorrhoea, relieved by
one of these applications.
Few things tend more to keep off inflammation
in the spermatic vessels, than a proper suspensory
for the scrotum. It ought to be so contrived as to
support the testicles, and should be worn from the
first appearance of the disease, till it has ceased
some weeks.
The above treatment will sometimes remove the
gonorrhoea so quickly, that the person will be in
doubt whether he really laboured under that dis-
ease. This, however, is too favourable a turn to be
often expected. It more frequently happens, that
we are able to procure an abatement or remission of
the inflammatory symptoms, so far as to make it
safe to have recourse to the great antidote, mer-
cury.
Many people, on the first appearance of a gon-
orrhoea, fly to the use of mercury.
This is a bad
plan. Mercury is often not at all necessary in a
gonorrhoea; and, when taken too early, it does
inischief. It may be necessary to complete the
cure, but can never be proper at the commencement
of it.
When bleeding, purging, fomentations, and the
other, things recommended above, have eased the
pain, softened the pulse, relieved the heat of urine,
and rendered the involuntary erections less frequent,
the patient may begin to use mercury in any form
that is least disagreeable to him.
If he takes the common mercurial pill, two at
night and one in the morning will be a sufficient
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
213
7
}
dose at first. Should they affect the mouth too
much, the dose must be lessened; if not at all, it
may be increased to five or six pills in the day.´´ If
calomel be thought preferable, two or three grains
of it formed into a bolus, with a little of the con-
serve of hips, may be taken at bed-time, and the
dose gradually increased to eight or ten grains. One
of the most common preparations of mercury now
in use is the corrosive sublimate. This may be ta-
ken in the manner afterwards recommended under
the confirmed lues or pox. I have always found it
one of the most safe and efficacious medicines when
properly used.
The above medicines may either be taken every
day, or every other day, as the patient is able to
bear them. They ought never to be taken in such
quantity as to raise a salivation, unless in a very
slight degree. This disease may be more safely, and as
certainly, cured without a salivation as with it. When
the mercury runs off by the mouth, it is not so suc-
cessful in carrying off the disease, as when it con-
tinues longer in the body, and is discharged gra-
dually.
Should the patient be purged or griped in the
night by the mercury, he may take half a drachm
of the opiate confection dissolved in an ounce of
cinnamon-water, to prevent bloody stools, which
are apt to happen should the patient catch cold, or
if the mercury has not been duly prepared. When
the bowels are weak, and the mercury is apt to
gripe or purge, these disagreeable consequences
may be prevented by taking, with the above pills or
bolus, half a drachm or two scruples of diascordium,
or of the Japonic confection.
To prevent the disagreeable circumstance of the
mercury's affecting the mouth too much, or bring-
ing on a salivation, it may be combined with pur-
gatives. With this view, the laxative mercurial pill
has been contrived, the usual dose of which is half
244
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
a drachm, or three pills night and morning, to be
repeated every other day; but the safer way is for
the patient to begin with two or even with one pill,
gradually increasing the dose.
To such persons as can neither swallow a bolus
nor a pill, mercury may be given in a liquid form,
as it can be suspended even in a watery vehicle, by
means of gum-Arabic, which not only serves this
purpose, but likewise prevents the mercury from
affecting the mouth, and renders it in many respects
a better medicine.
It happens very fortunately for those who cannot
be brought to take mercury inwardly, and likewise
for persons whose bowels are too tender to bear it,
that an external application of it will answer equal-
ly well, and in some respects better. It must be
acknowledged, that mercury, taken inwardly for
any length of time, greatly weakens and disorders.
the bowels; for which reason, when a plentiful use
of it becomes necessary, we would prefer rubbing
in, to the mercurial pills. The common mercurial
or blue ointment will answer very well. Of that
which is made by rubbing together equal quanti-
ties of hogslard and quicksilver, about a drachm
may be used at a time. The best time for rubbing
it in is at night, and the most proper place the inner
side of thighs. The patient should sit beside the
fire when he rubs, and should wear flannel drawers
next his skin at the time he is using the ointment.
If ointment of a weaker or stronger kind be used,
the quantity must be increased or diminished in
proportion.
If, during the use of the ointment, the inflamma-
tion of the genital parts, together with the heat and
feverishness, should return, or if the mouth should
grow sore, the gums tender, and the breath becomes
offensive, a dose or two of Glauber's salts, or some
other cooling purge, may be taken, and the rubbing
intermitted for a few days. As soon, however, as
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
245
the signs of spitting are gone off, if the virulency be
not quite corrected, the ointment must be repeated,
but in smaller quantities, and at longer intervals.
than before. Whatever way mercury is administer-
ed, its use must be persisted in as long as any viru-
lency is suspected to remain.
During this, which may be called the second stage
of the disorder, though so strict a regimen is not
necessary as in the first or inflammatory state, yet
intemperance of every kind ought to be avoided.
The food must be light, plain, and of easy digestion;
and the greatest indulgence that may be allowed,
with respect to drink, is a little wine diluted with a
sufficient quantity of water. Spirituous liquors
are to be avoided in every shape. I have often
known the inflammatory symptoms renewed and
heightened, the running increased, and the cure ren-
dered extremely difficult and tedious, by one fit of
excessive drinking.
When the above treatment has removed the heat
of urine, and soreness of the genital parts; when the
quantity of running is lessened, without any pain or
swelling in the groin or testicle supervening; when
the patient is free from involuntary erections; and
lastly, when the running becomes pale, whitish,
thick, void of ill smell, and tenacious or ropy; when
all or most of these symptoms appear, the gonorr-
hoa is arrived at its last stage; then we may gradu-
ally proceed to treat it as a gleet, with astringent and
agglutinating medicines.
OF GLEETS.
A gonorrhea frequently repeated, or improperly
treated, often ends in a gleet, which may either pro-
ceed from a relaxation, or from some remains of the
disease. It is, however, of the greatest importance
in the cure of the gleet, to know from which of these
246
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
causes it proceeds. When the discharge proves ve-
ry obstinate, and receives little or no check from
astringent remedies, there is ground to suspect that
it is owing to the latter; but if the drain is constant,
and is chiefly observable when the patient is stimu-
lated by lascivious ideas, or upon straining to go to
stool, we may reasonably conclude that it is chiefly
owing to the former.
In the cure of a gleet proceeding from relaxation,
the principal design is to brace and restore a proper
degree of tension to the debilitated and relaxed ves-
sels. For this purpose, besides the medicine recom-
mended in the gonorrhoea, the patient may have re-
course to stronger and more powerful astringents,
as the Peruvian bark, alum, vitriol, galls, tormen-
til, bistort, ballustines, tincture of gum kino, &c.
The injections may be rendered more astringent by
the addition of a few grains of alum, or increasing
the quantity of vitriol as far as the parts are able to
bear it.
The last remedy which we shall mention in this
case, is the cold bath, than which there is not a more
powerful bracer in the whole compass of medicine.
It ought never to be omitted in this species of gleet,
unless there be something in the constitution of the
patient which renders the use of it unsafe. The
chief objections to the use of the cold bath are, a full
habit, and an unsound state of the viscera. The
danger from the former may always be lessened, if
not removed, by purging and bleeding; but the lat-
ter is an unsurmountable obstacle, as the pressure
of the water, and the sudden contraction of the ex-
ternal vessels, by throwing the blood with too much
force upon the internal parts, are apt to occasion
ruptures of the vessels, or a flux of humours upon
the diseased organs. But where no objections of
this kind prevail, the patient ought to plunge over
head in water every morning, fasting, for three or
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
217
four weeks together. He should not, however, stay
long in the water, and should take care to have his
skin dried as soon as he comes out.
The regimen proper in this case is the same as
was mentioned in the last stage of the gonorrhoea:
the diet must be drying and astringent, and the drink
Spa, Pyrmont, or Bristol waters, with which a little
claret or red wine may sometimes be mixed. Any
person may now afford to drink these waters, as
they can be every where prepared at almost no ex-
pense, by a mixture of common chalk and oil of
vitriol.
When the gleet does not in the smallest degree
yield to these medicines, there is reason to suspect
that it proceeds from ulcers. In this case recourse
must be had to mercury, and such medicines as tend
to correct any predominant acrimony with which
the juices may be affected, as the decoction of China,
sarsaparilla, sassafras, or the like.
Dr.
Mr. Fordyce says, he has seen many obstinate
gleets, of two, three, or four years standing, effec-
tually cured by a mercurial inunction, when almost
every other medicine has been tried in vain.
Chapman seems to be of the same opinion; but
says, he has always found the mercury succeed best
in this case when joined with terebinthinate and
other agglutinating medicines. For which reason
the Doctor recommends pills made of calomel and
Venice turpentine; and desires that their use may
be accompanied with a decoction of guaiacum or
sarsaparilla.
The last kind of remedy which we shall mention
for the cure of ulcers in the urinary passage, are the
suppurating candles or bougies. As these are pre-
pared various ways, and are generally to be bought
ready made, it is needless to spend time in enume-
rating the different ingredients of which they are
tomposed, or teaching the manner of preparing
them. Before a bougie be introduced into the ure-
243
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
thra, however, it should be smeared all over with
sweet oil, to prevent it from stimulating too sudden-
ly. It may be suffered to continue in from one to
seven hours, according as the patient can bear it.
Obstinate ulcers are not only often healed, but tu-
mours and excrescences in the urinary passages tak-
en away, and an obstruction of urine removed, by
incans of bougies. Obstinate gleets may be renov-
ed by the use of bougies.
OF THE SWELLED TESTICLE.
THE swelled testicle may either proceed from infec-
tion lately contracted, or from the venereal poison
lurking in the body; the latter indeed is not very
common, but the former frequently happens both
in the first and second stages of a gonorrhoea; par-
ticularly when the running is unseasonably check-
ed, by cold, hard drinking, strong drastic purges,
violent exercise, the too early use of astringent me-
dicines, or the like.
In the inflammatory stage, bleeding is necessary,
which must be repeated according to the urgency
of the symptoms. The food must be light, and the
drink diluting. High-seasoned food, flesh, wines,
and every thing of a heating nature, are to be avoid-
ed. Fomentations are of singular service. Poulti-
ces of bread and milk, softened with fresh butter or
oil, are likewise very proper, and ought constantly
to be applied when the patient is in bed; when he
is up, the testicles should be kept warm, and sup-
ported by a suspensory, which may easily be con-
trived in such a manner as to prevent the weight of
the testicle from having any effect.
If it should be found impracticable to clear the
testicle by the cooling regimen now pointed out,
and extended according to circumstances, it will be
necessary to lead the patient through such a com-
plete antivenereal course as shall ensure him against
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
249
any future uneasiness. For this purpose, besides
rubbing the mercurial ointment on the thighs as di-
rected in the gonorrhea, the patient must be con-
fined to bed, if necessary, for five or six weeks, sus-
pending the testicle, all the while, with a bag or
truss, and plying him inwardly with strong decoc-
tions of sarsaparilla.
OF BUBOES.
VENEREAL buboes are hard tumours seated in the
groin, occasioned by the venereal poison lodged in
this part. They are of two kinds, viz. such as pro-
ceed from a recent infection, and such as accompa-
ny a confirmed lues.
The cure of recent buboes, that is, such as appear
soon after impure coition, may be first attempted
by dispersion; and, if that should not succeed, by
suppuration. To promote the dispersion of a bubo,
the same regimen must be observed as was directed
in the first stage of a gonorrhoea. The patient must
likewise be bled, and take some cooling purges, as
the decoction of tamarinds and senna, Glauber's
salts, and the like. If by this course the swelling
and other inflammatory symptoms abate, we may
safely proceed to use the mercury, which must be
continued till the venereal virus is quite subdued.
But if the bubo should, from the beginning, be at-
tended with great heat, pain, and pulsation, it will
be proper to promote its suppuration. For this pur-
pose the patient may be allowed to use his ordinary
diet, and to take now and then a glass of wine. Emol-
lient cataplasms, consisting of bread and milk sof-
tened with oil or fresh butter, may be applied to the
part; and, in cold constitutions, where the tumour
advances slowly, white lily roots boiled, or sliced
onions raw, and a sufficient quantity of yellow basi-
licon, may be added to the poultice.
When the tumour is ripe, which may be known
250
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
by its conical figure, the softness of the skin, and a
fluctuation of the matter plainly to be felt under
the finger, it may be opened either by a caustic or
a lancet, and afterwards dressed with digestive oint-
ment.
It sometimes however happens, that buboes can
neither be dispersed nor brought to a suppuration,
but remain hard indolent tumours. In this case the
indurated glands must be consumed by caustic; if
they should become schirrous, they must be dissolv-
ed by the application of hemlock, both externally
and internally, as directed in the schirrous testi-
cle.
OF CHANCRES.
CHANCRES are superficial, callous, eating ulcers;
which may happen either with or without gonorr-
hoea. They are commonly seated about the glands,
and make their appearance in the following manner:
- First a little red pimple arises, which soon be-
comes pointed at top, and is filled with a whitish
matter inclining to yellow. This pimple is hot, and
itches generally before it breaks; afterwards it de-
generates into an obstinate ulcer, the bottom of
which is usually covered with a viscid mucus, and
whose edges gradually become hard and callous.
Sometimes the first appearance resembles a simple
excoriation of the cuticle; which, however, if the
cause be venereal, soon becomes a true chancre.
A chancre is sometimes a primary affection, but
it is much oftener symptomatic, and is the mark of
a confirmed lues. Primary chancres discover them-
selves soon after impure coition, and are generally
seated in parts covered with a thin cuticle, as the
lips, the nipples of women, the glans penis of men,
&c.
When a chancre appears soon after impure coi-
tion, its treatment is nearly similar to that of the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
251
virulent gonorrhoea. The patient must observe the
cooling regimen, lose a little blood, and take some
gentle doses of salts and manna. The parts affected
ought frequently to be bathed, or rather soaked, in
warm milk and water; and if the inflammation be
great, an emollient_poultice or cataplasm may be
applied to them. This course will, in most cases,
be sufficient to abate the inflammation, and prepare
the patient for the use of mercury.
Symptomatic chancres are commonly accompa-
nied with ulcers in the throat, nocturnal pains,
scabby eruptions about the roots of the hair, and
other symptoms of a confirmed lues. Though they
may be seated in any of the parts mentioned above,
they commonly appear upon the private parts, or
the inside of the thigh. They are less painful, but
frequently much larger and harder than primary
chancres. As their cure must depend upon that of
the pox, of which they are only a symptom, we shall
take no further notice of them till we come to treat
of a confirmed lues.
Thus we have related most of the symptoms which
accompany or succeed a violent gonorrhoea, and
have also given a short view of their proper treat-
ment; there are, however, several others which
sometimes attend this disease, as a strangury, or ob-
struction of urine, a phymosis, paraphymosis, &c.
A strangury may be occasioned either by a spas-
modic constriction, or an inflammation of the ure-
thra and parts about the neck of the bladder. In
the former case, the patient begins to void his urine
with tolerable ease: but, as soon as it touches the
galled or inflamed urethra, a sudden constriction
takes place, and the urine is voided by spurts, some-
times by drops only. When the strangury is owing
to an inflammation about the neck of the bladder,
there is a constant heat and uneasiness of the part,
a perpetual desire to make water, while the patient
252
BUOHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
can only render a few drops, and a troublesome
tenesmus, or constant inclination to go to stool.
When the strangury is owing to spasm, such
medicines as tend to dilute and blunt the salts of
the urine will be proper. For this purpose, besides
the common diluting liquors, soft and cooling emul-
sions, sweetened with the syrup of poppies, may
be used. Should these not have the desired effect,
bleeding and emollient fomentations will be neces-
sary.
When the complaint is evidently owing to an in-
flammation about the neck of the bladder, bleeding
must be more liberally performed, and repeated ac-
cording to the urgency of the symptoms. After
bleeding, if the strangury still continues, soft clys-
ters, with a proper quantity of laudanum in them,
may be administered, and emollient fomentations.
applied to the region of the bladder. At the same
time, the patient may take every four hours, a tea-
cupful of barley-water, to an English pint of which,
six ounces of the syrup of marsh-mallows, four
ounces of the oil of sweet almonds, and half an ounce
of nitre, may be added. If these remedies should not
relieve the complaint, and a total suppression of
urine should come on, bleeding must be repeated,
and the patient set in a warm bath up to the middle.
It will be proper in this case to discontinue the diu-
retics, and to draw off the water with a catheter;
but as the patient is seldom able to bear its being
introduced, we would rather recommend the use of
mild bougies. These often lubricate the passage, and
greatly facilitate the discharge of urine. Whenever
they begin to stimulate or give any uneasiness, they
may be withdrawn.
The phymosis is such a constriction of the prepuce
over the glands, as hinders it from being drawn back-
wards; the paraphymosis, on the contrary, is such a
constriction of the prepuce behind the glands, as
hinders it from being brought forward.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
253
The treatment of these symptoms is so nearly the
same with that of the virulent gonorrhoea, that we
have no occasion to enlarge upon it. In general,
bleeding, purging, poultices, and emollient fomen-
tations, are sufficient. Should these, however, fail
of removing the stricture, and the parts be threaten-
ed with a mortification, twenty or thirty grains of
ipecacuanha, and one grain of emetic tartar, may be
given for a vomit, and may be worked off with warm
water or thin gruel.
It sometimes happens, that in spite of all endea-
vours to the contrary, the inflammation goes on,
and symptoms of a beginning mortification appear.
When this is the case, the prepuce must be scarifi-
ed with a lancet, and, if necessary, divided, in order
to prevent a strangulation, and set the imprisoned
glands at liberty. We shall not describe the manner
of performing this operation, as it ought always to
be done by a surgeon.
When a mortification has
actually taken place, it will be necessary, besides
the above operations, to foment the parts frequent-
ly with cloths wrung out of a strong decoction of
camomile-flowers and bark, and to give the patient
a drachm of the bark in powder every two or three
hours.
With regard to the priapism, chordee, and other
distortions of the penis, their treatment is no way
different from that of the gonorrhoea. When they
prove very troublesome, the patient may take a few
drops of laudanum at night, especially after the
operation of a purgative through the day.
OF A CONFIRMED LUES.
THE symptoms of a confirmed lues are, buboes in
the groin, pains of the head and joints, which are
peculiarly troublesome in the night, or when the pa-
tient is warm in bed; scabs and scurfs on various
parts of the body, especially on the head, of a vel-
254
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
lowish colour, resembling a honey-comb; corrod-
ing ulcers in various parts of the body, which gen-
erally begin about the throat, from whence they
creep gradually, by the palate, towards the cartilage
of the nose, which they destroy; excrescences or
exostoses arise in the middle of the bones, and their
spungy ends become brittle, and break upon the
least accident; at other times they are soft, and
bend like wax; the conglobate glands become hard
and callous, and form in the neck, armpits, groin,
and mesentery, hard moveable tumours, like the
king's-evil; tumours of different kinds are likewise
formed in the lymphatic vessels, tendons, ligaments,
and nerves, as the gummata, ganglia, nodes, tophs,
&c.; the eyes are affected with itching, pain, red-
ness, and sometimes with total blindness, and the
ears with a singing noise, pain, and deafness, whilst
their internal substance is exulcerated and rendered
carious; at length all the animal, vital, and natural
functions are depraved; the face becomes pale and
livid; the body emaciated and unfit for motion ; and
the miserable patient falls into an atrophy or wasting
consumption.
Women have symptoms peculiar to the sex; as
cancers of the breast; a suppression or overflowing
of the menses; the whites; hysteric affections; an
inflammation, abscess, schirrus, gangrene, cancer,
or ulcer of the womb: they are generally either bar-
ren or subject to abortion; or if they bring child-
ren into the world, they have universal erysipelas,
are half rotten, and covered with ulcers.
The only certain remedy hitherto known in Eu-
rope for the cure of this disease, is mercury, which
may be used in a great variety of forms, with nearly
the same success. Some time ago it was reckoned
impossible to cure a confirmed lues without a sali-
vation. This method is now, however, pretty gene-
rally laid aside, and mercury is found to be as effi-
cacious, or rather more so, in expelling the venercal
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
255
poison, when administered in such manner as not to
run off by the salivatory glands.
Though many are of opinion that the mercurial
ointment is as efficacious as any other preparation
of that mineral; yet experience has taught me to
think otherwise. I have often seen the most obstin-
ate venereal cases, where great quantities of mer-
curial ointment had been used in vain, yield to the
saline preparations of mercury. Nor am I so sin-
gular in this opinion. Mr. Clare, an eminent sur-
geon of this city, assures me, that for some time
past he has employed in venereal cases a saline pre-
paration of mercury, with most happy success; this
rubbed with a sufficient quantity of any mild
powder, he applies, in small portions, to the
tongue, where, with a gentle degree of friction, it is
immediately absorbed, and produces its full effect
upon the system, without doing the least injury to
the stomach or bowels; a matter of great impor-
tance in the application of this most active and pow-
erful remedy.
It is impossible to ascertain either the exact quan-
tity of medicines that must be taken, or the time
they ought to be continued, in order to perform a
cure. These will ever vary according to the con-
stitution of the patient, the season of the year, the
degree of infection, the time it has lodged in the bo-
dy, &c. But though it is difficult, as Astruc ob-
serves, to determine, a priori, what quantity of mer-
cury will, in the whole, be necessary to cure this
distemper completely, yet it may be judged of, a
posteriori, from the abatement and ceasing of the
symptoms. The same author adds, that commonly
not less than two ounces of the strong mercurial
ointment is sufficient, and not more than three or
four ounces necessary.
The only chemical preparation of mercury which
we shall take notice of is the corrosive sublimate.
This was some time ago brought into use for the
t
256
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
venereal disease in Germany, by the illustrious Ba-
ron Van Swieten; and was soon after introduced
into Britain by the learned Sir John Pringle, at
that time physician to the army.
The method of
giving it is as follows; one grain of corrosive subli-
mate is dissolved in two ounces of French brandy
or malt spirits; and of this solution an ordinary
table-spoonful, or the quantity of half an ounce, is
to be taken twice a-day, and to be continued as long
as any symptoms of the disorder remain. To those
whose stomach cannot bear the solution, the subli-
mate may be given in form of a pill.
Several roots, woods, and barks, have been re-
commended for curing the venereal disease; but
none of them have been found, upon experience, to
answer the high encomiums which had been bestow-
ed upon them. Though no one of these is to be de-
pended upon alone, yet, when joined with mercury,
some of them are found to be very beneficial in pro-
moting a cure. One of the best we know yet is sar-
saparilla, which may be prepared and taken accord-
ing to the directions in the Appendix.
The mezereon-root is likewise found to be a pow-
erful assistant to the sublimate, or any other mer-
curial. It may either be used along with the sarsa-
parilla, as directed in the Appendix, or by itself.
Those who choose to use the mezereon by itself,
may boil an ounce of the fresh bark, taken from the
root, in twelve English pints of water, to eight, add-
ing, towards the end, an ounce of liquorice. The
dose of this is the same as of the decoction of sar-
saparilla.
We have been told, that the natives of America
cure the venereal disease, in every stage, by a de-
coction of the root of a plant called the Lobelia. It
is used either fresh or dried; but we have no cer-
tain accounts with regard to the proportion. Some-
times they mix other roots with it, as those of the
ranunculus, the ceanothus, &c.; but whether these
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
257
are designed to disguise or assist it, is doubtful.
The patient takes a large draught of the decoction.
early in the morning, and continues to use it for his
ordinary drink through the day.
Many other roots and woods might be mentioned
which have been extolled for curing the venereal
disease, as the china-root, the roots of soap-wort,
burdock, &c. as also the wood of guaiacum and sas-
safras; but as none of these have been found to pos-
sess virtues superior to those already mentioned,
we shall, for the sake of brevity, pass them over.
OF THE MENSTRUAL DISCHARGE.
FEMALES generally begin to menstruate about the
age of fifteen, and leave it off about fifty, which ren-
ders these two periods the most critical of their
lives. About the first appearance of this discharge,
the constitution undergoes a very considerable
change, generally indeed for the better, though some-
times for the worse. The greatest care is now ne-
cessary, as the future health and happiness of the fe-
male depends, in a great measure, upon her con-
duct at this period.
If a girl about this time of life be confined to the
house, kept constantly sitting, and neither allowed
to romp about, nor employed in any active busi-
ness, which gives exercise to the whole body, she
becomes weak, relaxed, and puny; her bloou not
being duly prepared, she looks pale and wan; her
health, spirits, and vigour decline, and she sinks in-
to a valetudinarian for life. Such is the fate of
numbers of those unhappy females, who, either from
too much indulgence, or their own narrow cireum-
stances, are, at this critical period, denied the bene-
fit of exercise and free air.
A lazy, indolent, disposition, proves likewise very
hurtful to girls at this period. One seldom meets
with complaints from obstructions, amongst the
179
R
258
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
more active and industrious part of the sex; where-
as the indolent and lazy are seldom free from them.
These are in a manner eaten up by the chlorosis, or
green sickness, and other diseases of this nature.
We would, therefore, recommend it to all who wish
to escape these calamities, to avoid indolence and
inactivity, as their greatest enemies, and to be as
much abroad in the open air as possible.
Another thing which proves very hurtful to girls
about this period of life, is unwholesome food. Fond
of all manner of trash, they often indulge in it, till
their whole humours are quite vitiated. Hence en-
sue indigestion, want of appetite, and a numerous
train of evils. If the fluids be not duly prepared,
it is utterly impossible that the secretions should
go properly on. Accordingly we find, that such
girls as lead an indolent life, and eat great quanti-
ties of trash, are not only subject to obstructions of
the menses, but likewise to glandular obstructions;
as the scrofula, or king's evil, &c.
A dull disposition is also very hurtful to girls at
this period. It is a rare thing to see a sprightly
girl who does not enjoy good health, while the grave,
moping, melancholy, creature, proves the very prey
of vapours and hysterics. Youth is the season for
mirth and cheerfulness; let it therefore be indulg-
ed; it is an absolute duty. To lay in a stock of health
in the time of youth, is as necessary a piece of pru-
dence, as to make provision against the decays of
old age.
While, therefore, wise Nature prompts
the happy youth to join in sprightly amusements,
let not the severe dictates of hoary age forbid the
useful impulse, nor damp, with serious gloom, the
season destined to mirth and innocent festivity.
Another thing very hurtful to females, about this
period of life, is strait clothes. They are fond of a
fine shape, and foolishly imagine that this can be
acquired by lacing themselves tight. Hence, by
squeezing the stomach and bowels, they hurt the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
259
digestion, and occasion many incurable maladies.
This error is not indeed so common as it has been,
but, as fashions change, it may come about again;
we therefore think in not improper to mention it.
I know many females who, to this day, feel the dread-
ful effects of that wretched custom which prevailed
some years ago, of squeezing every girl into as small
a size in the middle as possible. Human invention
could not possibly have devised a practice more
destructive to health.
After a female has arrived at that period of life
when the menses usually begin to flow, and they do
not appear, but, on the contrary, her health and spi-
rits begin to decline, we would advise, instead of
shutting the poor girl up in the house, and dosing
her with steel, assafoetida, and other nauseous drugs,
to place her in a situation where she can enjoy the
benefit of free air and agreeable company. There
let her eat wholesome food, take sufficient exercise,
and amuse herself in the most agreeable manner;
and we have little reason to fear but Nature, thus
assisted, will do her proper work. Indeed she sel-
dom fails, unless where the fault is on our side.
This discharge in the beginning is seldom so in-
stantaneous as to surprise females unawares. It is
generally preceded by symptoms which foretell its
approach; as a sense of heat, weight, and dull pains
in the loins; distension and hardness of the breast;
head-ache; loss of appetite; lassitude; paleness
of the countenance; and sometimes a slight degree
of fever. When these symptoms appear about the
age at which the menstrual flux usually begins, every
thing should be carefully avoided which may ob-
struct that necessary and salutary evacuation; and
all means used to promote it; as sitting frequently
over the steams of warm water, drinking warm di-
luting liquors, &c.
After the menses have once begun to flow, the
greatest care should be taken to avoid every thing
230
DUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
that may tend to obstruct them. Females ought
to be exceedingly cautious of what they eat or drink
at the time they are out of order. Every thing that
is cold, or apt to sour on the stomach, ought to be
avoided; as fruit, butter-milk, or such like. Fish,
and all kinds of food that are hard of digestion, are
also to be avoided. As it is impossible to mention
every thing that may disagree with individuals at
this time, we would recommend it to every female
to be very attentive to what disagrees with herself,
and carefully to avoid it.
Cold is extremely hurtful at this particular pe-
riod. More of the sex date their diseases from colds
caught while they are out of order, than from all
other causes. This ought surely to put them upon
their guard, and to make them very circumspect in
their conduct at such times. A degree of cold that
will not in the least hurt them at another time, will,
at this period, be sufficient entirely to ruin their
health and constitution.
The greatest attention ought likewise to be paid
to the mind, which should be kept as easy and
cheerful as possible. Every part of the animal
economy is influenced by the passions, but none
more so than this. Anger, fear, grief, and other af
fections of the mind, often occasion obstructions of
the menstrual flux, which prove absolutely incur-
able.
From whatever cause this flux is obstructed, ex-
cept in the state of pregnancy, proper means should
be used to restore it. For this purpose we would
recommend sufficient exercise, in a dry, open, and
- rather cool air; wholesome diet, and if the body be
weak and languid, generous liquors; also cheerful
company and all manner of amusements. If these
fail, recourse must be had to medicine.
When obstructions proceed from a weak, relaxed
state of the solids, such medicines as tend to pro-
note digestion, to brace the solids, and assist the
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
261
body in preparing good blood, ought to be used.
For this purpose I have of late made use of pills
composed of prepared steel, powdered myrrh, and
the best aloes, equal parts. These must be formed
into pills of the common size, and two or three of
them given every night at bed-time. The principal
medicines, however, are iron, and the Peruvian
bark, with other bitters and astringents. Filings of
iron may be infused in wine or ale, two or three
ounces to an English quart, and after it has stood
for two or three weeks, it may be filtered, and about
half a wine-glass of it taken twice a-day; or pre-
pared steel may be taken in the dose of half a drachm,
mixed with a little honey or treacle, three or four
times a-day.
The bark and other bitters may be
either taken in substance or infusion, as is most a-
greeable to the patient.
When obstructions proceed from a viscid state of
the blood; or for women of a gross or full habit,
evacuations, and such medicines as attenuate the
humours, are necessary. The patient in this case
ought to be bled, to bathe her feet frequently in
warm water, to take now and then a cooling purge,
and to live upon a spare thin diet. Her drink
should be whey, water, or small beer, and she ought
to take sufficient exercise. A tea-spoonful of the
tincture of black hellebore may be also taken twice
a-day, in a cup of warm water.
When obstructions proceed from affections of the
mind, as grief, fear, anger, &c. every method should
be taken to amuse and divert the patient. And
that she may the more readily forget the cause of
her affliction, she ought, if possible, to be removed
from the place where it happened. A change of
place, by presenting the mind with a variety of new
objects, has often a very happy influence in reliev-
ing it from the deepest distress. A soothing, kind,
and affable behaviour to females in this situation, is
also of the last importance.
·
262
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
An obstruction of the menses is often the effect
of other maladies. When this is the case, instead
of giving medicines to force that discharge, which
might be dangerous, we ought by all means to en-
deavour to restore the patient's health and strength.
When that is effected, the other will return of
course.
But the menstrual flux may be too great as well
as too small. When this happens, the patient be-
comes weak, the colour pale, the appetite and the
digestion bad, to which, oedematous swellings of
the feet, dropsies, and consumptions, often ensue
This frequently happens to women about the age
of forty-five or fifty, and is very difficult to cure.
It may proceed from a sedentary life; a full diet,
consisting chiefly of salted, high-seasoned, or acrid
food; the use of spirituous liquors; excessive fa-
tigue; relaxation; a dissolved state of the blood;
violent passions of the mind, &c.
The treatment of this disorder must be varied ac-
cording to its cause. When it is occasioned by an
error in the patient's regimen, an opposite course to
that which induced the disorder must be pursued,
and such medicines taken as have a tendency to
restrain the flux, and counteract the morbid affec-
tions of the symptoms whence it proceeds.
To restrain the flux, the patient should be kept
quiet and easy both in body and mind. If it be very
violent, she ought to lie in bed with her head low;
to live upon a cool and slender diet, as veal or chick-
en broths, with bread; and to drink decoction of
nettle roots, or the greater comfrey. If these be
not sufficient to stop the flux, stronger astringents
may be used, as Japan earth, alum, elixir of vitriol,
the Peruvian bark, &c.
The uterine flux may offend in quality as well as
in quantity. What is usually called the fluor albus,
or whites, is a very common disease, and proves ex-
tremely hurtful to delicate women. This discharge
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
203
however, is not always white, but sometimes a pale
yellow, green, or blackish colour; sometimes it is
sharp and corrosive, sometimes foul and foetid, &c.
It is attended with a pale complexion, pain in the
back, loss of appetite, swelling of the feet, and other
signs of debility. It generally proceeds from a re-
laxed state of the body, arising from indolence, the
excessive use of tea, coffee, or other weak and wa-
tery diet.
To remove this disease, the patient must take as
much exercise as she can bear without fatigue. Her
food should be solid and nourishing, but of easy di-
gestion; and her drink rather generous, as red port
or claret, mixed with Pyrmont, Bristol, or lime-wa-
ter. Tea and coffee are to be avoided. I have of-
ten known strong broths have an exceeding good ef-
fect, and sometimes a milk diet alone, will perform
a cure. The patient ought not to lie too long in bed.
When medicine is necessary, we know none prefer-
able to the Peruvian bark, which in this case, ought
always to be taken in substance. In warm weather
the cold-bath will be of considerable service.
That period of life at which the menses cease to
flow, is likewise very critical to the sex. The stop-
page of any customary evacuation, however small,
is sufficient to disorder the whole frame, and often
to destroy life itself. Hence it comes to pass that
so many women either fall into chronic disorders,
or die about this time. Such of them, however, as
survive without contracting any chronic disease, of-
ten become more healthy and hardy than they were
before, and enjoy strength and vigour to a very great
age.
If the menses cease all of a sudden in women of a
full habit, they ought to abate somewhat of their u-
sual quantity of food, especially of the more nourish-
ing kind, as flesh, eggs, &c. They ought likewise
to take sufficient exercise, and to keep the body
open. This may be done by taking once or twice a
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
week, a little rhubarb, or an infusion of hiera-picra
in wine and brandy.
It often happens that women of a gross habit, at
this period of life, have ulcerous sores break out
about the ancles, or in other parts of the body. Such
ulcers ought to be considered as critical, and should
either be suffered to continue open, or have artifi-
cial drains substituted in their stead. Women who
will have such sores dried up, are often soon after
carried off by acute diseases, or fall into those of a
chronic nature.
OF PREGNANCY.
THOUGH pregnancy is not a disease, yet that state
is often attended with a variety of complaints which
merit attention, and which sometimes require the
assistance of medicine. Some women indeed are
inore healthy during their pregnancy, than at any
other time; but this is by no means the general
case; most of them breed in sorrows, and are fre-
quently indisposed during the whole time of preg-
nancy. Few fatal diseases, however, happen during
that period, and hardly any, except abortion, that
can be called dangerous.
Pregnant women are often afflicted with the heart-
burn. The method of treating this complaint has
been already pointed out. They are, likewise, in
the more early periods of pregnancy, often harassed
with sickness and vomiting, especially in the morn-
ing. The method of relieving these complaints has
also been shown. Both the head-ache and tooth-
ache are very troublesome symptoms of pregnancy.
The former may generally be removed by keeping
the body gently open, by the use of prunes, figs,
roasted apples, and such like. When the pain is
very violent, bleeding may be necessary. For the
treatment of the latter, we must refer to that article.
Several other complaints incident to pregnant wo-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
205
men might be mentioned, as a cough and difficulty
of breathing, suppression and incontinency of urine,
&c.; but as all of these have been taken notice of
before, it is needless to repeat them.
Every pregnant woman is more or less in danger
of abortion. This should be guarded against with
the greatest care, as it not only weakens the consti-
tution, but renders the woman liable to the same
misfortune afterwards. Abortion may happen at
any period of pregnancy, but it is most common in
the second or third month. If it happens within the
first month, it is usually called a false conception;
if after the seventh month, the child may often be
kept alive by proper care.
The common causes of abortion, are, the death of
the child; weakness or relaxation of the mother;
great evacuations; violent exercise; raising great
weights; reaching too high; jumping or stepping
from an eminence; vomiting; coughing; convul-
sion-fits; blows on the belly; falls; fevers; disa-
greeable smells; excess of blood; indolence; high
living, or the contrary; violent passions or affec-
tions of the mind, as fear, grief, &c.
The signs of approaching abortion are, pain in the
loins, or about the bottom of the belly; a dull hea-
vy pain in the inside of the thighs; a slight degree of
coldness, or shivering; sickness; palpitation of the
heart; the breasts become flat and soft; the belly
falls; and there is a discharge of blood or watery
humours from the womb.
To prevent abortion, we would advise women of a
weak and relaxed habit to use solid food, avoiding
great quantities of tea, and other weak and watery
liquors; to rise early and go soon to bed; to shun
damp houses; to take frequent exercise in the open
air, but to avoid fatigue; and never to go abroad in
damp foggy weather, if they can help it.
Women of a full habit ought to use a spare diet ;
avoiding strong liquors, and every thing that may
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BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MLDICINE.
tend to heat the body, or increase the quantity of
blood. Their diet should be of an opening nature,
consisting chiefly of vegetable substances. Every
woman with child ought to be kept cheerful and easy
in her mind. Her appetite, even though depraved,
ought to be indulged as far as prudence will permit.
When any signs of abortion appear, the woman.
ought to be laid in bed on a mattress, with her head
low. She should be kept quiet, and her mind sooth-
ed and comforted. She ought not to be kept too
hot, nor to take any thing of a heating nature. Her
food should consist of broths, rice and milk, jellies,
gruels made of oatmeal, and the like; all of which
ought to be taken cold.
If she be able to bear it, she should lose at least
half a pound of blood from the arm. Her drink
ought to be barley-water sharpened with juice of
lemon; or she may take half a drachm of powdered
nitre, in a cup of water-gruel, every five or six hours.
If the woman be seized with a violent looseness, she
ought to drink the decoction of calcined hartshorn
prepared. If she be affected with vomiting, let her
take frequently two table-spoonsful of the saline
mixture. In general, opiates are of service; but
they should always be given with caution.
Sanguine, robust women, who are liable to mis-
carry at a certain time of pregnancy, ought like-
wise to be bled a few days before that period arrives.
By these means, and observing the regimen above
prescribed, they might often escape that misfortune.
Though we recommend due care for preventing
abortion, we would not be understood as restraining
pregnant women from their usual exercises. This
would generally operate quite the contrary way.
Want of exercise not only relaxes the body, but in-
duces a plethora, or too great a fulness of the vessels,
which are the two principal causes of abortion.
There are, however, some women of so delicate a
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207
texture, that it is necessary for them to avoid almost
every kind of exercise during the whole period of
pregnancy.
OF CHILD-BIRTH.
MANY diseases proceed from the want of due care
in child-bed; and the more hardy part of the sex
are most apt to despise the necessary precautions
in this state. This is peculiarly the case with young
wives. They think, when the labour pains are end-
ed, the danger is over; but in truth it may only then
be said to be begun. Nature, if left to herself, will
seldom fail to expel the foetus: but proper care
and management are certainly necessary for the
recovery of the mother. No doubt, mischief may
be done by too much, as well as too little, care.
Hence females who have the greatest number of at-
tendants in child-bed, generally recover worst. But
this is not peculiar to the state of child-bed. Ex-
cessive care always defeats is own intentions, and is
generally more dangerous than none at all.
During actual labour, nothing of a heating nature
ought to be given. The woman may now and then
take a little panado, and her drink ought to be toast
and water, or thin groat gruel. Spirits, wines, cor-
dial waters, and other things which are given with a
view to strengthen the mother and promote the
birth, for the most part tend only to increase the
fever, inflame the womb, and retard the labour.
Besides, they endanger the woman afterwards, as
they often occasion violent and mortal hæmorrhages,
or dispose her to eruptive and other fevers.
When the labour proves tedious and difficult, to
prevent inflammations, it will be proper to bleed.
An emollient clyster ought likewise frequently to
be administered, and the patient should sit over
the steams of warm water. The passage ought to be
gently rubbed with a little soft pomatum, or fresh
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BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
butter, and cloths wrung out of warm water applied
over the belly. If nature seems to sink, and the
woman is greatly exhausted with fatigue, a draught
of generous wine, or some other cordial, may be
given, but not otherwise. These directions are suf-
ficient in natural labours; and in all preternatural
cases, a skilful surgeon, or man-midwife, ought to
be called as soon as possible.
After delivery, the woman ought to be kept as
quiet and easy as possible. Her food should be
light and thin, as gruel, panado, &c. and her drink
weak and diluting. To this rule, however, there
are many exceptions. I have known several women,
whose spirits could not be supported, in child-bed,
without solid food and generous liquors; to such, a
glass of wine and a bit of chicken may be allowed.
Sometimes an excessive hæmorrhage or flooding
happens after delivery. In this case, the patient
should be laid with her head low, be kept cool, and
be in all respects treated as for an excessive flux of
the menses. If the flooding proves violent, linen
cloths, which have been wrung out of a mixture of
equal parts of vinegar and water, or red wine, should
be applied to the belly, the loins, and the thighs;
these must be changed as they grow dry; and may
be discontinued as soon as the flooding abates.
If there be violent pains after delivery, the patient
ought to drink plentifully of warm diluting liquors,
as groat-gruel, or tea with a little saffron in it; and
to take small broths, with caraway seeds or a bit of
orange-peel in them; an ounce of the oil of sweet
almonds may likewise be frequently taken in a cup
of any of the above liquors; and if the patient be
restless, a spoonful of the syrup of poppies may now
and then be mixed with a cup of her drink. If she
be hot or feverish, one of the following powders may
be taken in a cup of her usual drink, every five or
six hours: Take of crabs' claws prepared, half an
ounce; purified nitre, two drachms; saffron powder-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
289
ed, half a drachm; rub them together in a mortar, and
divide the whole into eight or nine doses.
An inflammation of the womb is a dangerous and
not unfrequent disease after delivery. It is known
by pains in the lower parts of the belly, which are
greatly increased upon touching; by the tension or
tightness of the parts; great weakness; change of
countenance; a constant fever, with a weak and
hard pulse; a slight delirium, or raving; sometimes
incessant vomiting; a hiccup; a discharge of red-
dish, stinking, sharp water from the womb; an in-
clination to go frequently to stool; a heat, and
sometimes a total suppression of urine.
This must be treated like other inflammatory
disorders, by bleeding and plentiful dilution. The
drink may be thin gruel or barley-water; in a cup
of which, half a drachm of nitre may be dissolved,
and taken three or four times a-day. Clysters of
warm milk and water must be frequently adminis-
tered; and the belly should be fomented with cloths
wrung out of warm water, or by applying bladders
filled with warm milk and water to it.
A suppression of the lochia, or usual discharges
after delivery, and the milk-fever, must be treated
nearly in the same manner as an inflammation of
the womb. In all these cases, the safest course is
plentiful dilution, gentle evacuations, and fomen-
tations of the parts affected. In the milk-fever, the
breasts may be embrocated with a little warm lin-
seed-oil, or the leaves of red cabbage may be ap-
plied to them. The child should be often put to the
breast, or it should be drawn by some other person.
Nothing would tend more to prevent the milk-
fever than putting the child early to the breast. The
custom of not allowing children to suck for the first
two or three days, is contrary to nature and to com-
mon sense, aud is very hurtful both to the mother
and child.
Every mother who has milk in her breasts, ought
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
either to suckle her own child, or to have her breasts
frequently drawn, at least for the first month. This
would prevent many of the diseases which prove
fatal to women in child-bed.
When an inflammation happens in the breast, at-
tended with redness, hardness, and other symptoms
of suppuration, the safest application is a poultice
of bread and milk, softened with oil or fresh butter.
This may be renewed twice a-day, till the tumour
be either discussed or brought to suppuration. The
use of repellents, in this case, is very dangerous;
they often occasion fevers, and sometimes cancers;
whereas a suppuration is seldom attended with any
danger, and has often the most salutary effects.
When the nipples are fretted or chapped, they
may be anointed with a mixture of oil and bees-wax,
or a little powdered gum-Arabic may be sprinkled
on them. I have seen Hungary water, applied to
the nipples, have a very good effect. Should the
complaint prove obstinate, a cooling purge may be
given, which generally removes it.
The miliary fever is a disease incident to women
in child-bed; but as it has been treated of already,
we shall take no farther notice of it. The celebrated
Hoffman observes, that this fever of child-bed women
might generally be prevented, if they, during their
pregnancy, were regular in their diet, used moderate
exercise, took now and then a gentle laxative of
manna, rhubarb, or cream of tartar; not forgetting
to bleed in the first months, and avoid all sharp
air. When the labour is coming on, it is not to be
hastened with forcing medicines, which inflame the
blood and humours, or put them into unnatural
commotions. Care should be taken, after the birth,
that the natural exertions proceed regularly; and
if the pulse be quick, a little nitrous powder, or
some other cooling medicine, should be administered.
The most fatal disorder consequent upon delivery
is the puerperal, or child-bed fever. It generally makes
1
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
271
its attack upon the second or third day after delivery.
Sometimes, indeed, it comes on sooner, and at other
times, though rarely, it does not appear before the
fifth or sixth day.
It begius, like most other fevers, with a cold or
shivering fit, which is succeeded by restlessness,
pain of the head, great sickness at the stomach, and
bilious vomiting. The pulse is generally quick, the
tongue dry, and there is a remarkable depression of
spirits and loss of strength. A great pain is usually
felt in the back, hips, and region of the womb; a
sudden change in the quantity or quality of the
lochia also takes place; and the patient is frequently
troubled with a tenesmus, or constant inclination to
go to stool. The urine, which is very high-coloured,
is discharged in small quantity, and generally with
pain. The belly sometimes swells to a considerable
bulk, and becomes susceptible of pain from the
slightest touch. When the fever has continued for
a few days, the symptoms of inflammation usually
subside, and the disease acquires a more putrid
form. At this period, if not sooner, a bilious or
putrid looseness, of an obstinate and dangerous
nature, comes on, and accompanies the disease
through all its future progress.
There is not any disease that requires to be treated
with more skill and attention than this; conse-
quently the best assistance ought always to be ob-
tained as soon as possible. In women of plethoric
constitutions, bleeding will generally be proper at
the beginning; it ought, however, to be used with
caution, and not to be repeated, unless where the
signs of inflammation rise high; in which case it
will also be necessary to apply a blistering-plaster
in the region of the womb.
During the rigour, or cold fit, proper means should
be used to abate its violence and shorten its duration.
For this purpose, the patient may drink freely of
warm diluting liquors, and, if low, may take now and
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then a cup of wine-whey; warm applications to the
extremities, as heated bricks, bottles or bladders
filled with warm water, and such like, may also be
used with advantage.
Emollient clysters of milk and water, or of chicken
water, ought to be frequently administered through
the course of the disease. These prove beneficial,
by promoting a discharge from the intestines, and
also by acting as a kindly fonentation to the womb
and parts adjacent. Great care, however, is requisite
in giving them, on account of the tenderness of the
parts in the pelvis at this time.
To evacuate the offending bile from the stomach,
a vomit is generally given. But as this is apt to in-
crease the irritability of the stomach, already too
great, it will be safer to omit it, and to give in its
stead a gentle laxative, which will both tend to cool
the body, and to procure a free discharge of the
bile.
The medicine which I have always found to suc-
ceed best in this disease, is the saline draught.
This, if frequently repeated, will often put a stop to
the vomiting, and at the same time lessen the vio-
lence of the fever. If it runs off by stool, or if the
patient be restless, a few drops of laudanum, or
some syrup of poppies, may occasionally be added.
If the stools should prove so frequent as to weaken
and exhaust the patient, a starch clyster, with
thirty or forty drops of laudanum in it, may be ad-
ninistered as occasion shall require; and the drink
may be rice-water, in every English pint of which
half an ounce of gum-Arabic has been dissolved.
Should these fail, recourse must be had to Columbo-
root, or the powder of bole combined with opium.
Though in general the food ought to be light, and
the drink diluting, yet when the disease has been
long protracted, and the patient is greatly spent by
evacuations, it will be necessary to support her with
nourishing diet and generous cordials.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
273
In
It was observed, that this fever, after continuing
for some time, often acquires a putrid form.
this case, the Peruvian bark must be given, either by
itself, or joined with cordials, as circumstances may
require. As the bark in substance will be apt to
purge, it may be given in decoction or infusion,
mixed with the tincture of roses, or other gentle as-
tringents; or a scruple of the extract of bark, with
half an ounce of spirituous cinnamon-water, two oun-
ces of common water, and ten drops of laudanum,
may be made into a draught, and given every se-
cond, third, or fourth hour, as shall be found neces-
sary.
When the stomach will not bear any kind of nour-
ishment, the patient may be supported for some
time by clysters of beef-tea or chicken-broth.
pro-
To avoid this fever, every woman in child-bed
ought to be kept perfectly easy; her food should be
light and simple, and her bed-chamber cool and
perly ventilated. There is not anything more hurt-
ful to a woman in this situation than being kept too
warm. She ought not to have her body bound too
tight, nor to rise too soon from bed, after delivery;
catching cold is also to be avoided; and a proper at-
tention should be paid to cleanliness.
To prevent the milk-fever, the breasts ought to
be frequently drawn; and if they are filled previous
to the onset of the fever, they should, upon its first
appearance, be drawn, to prevent the milk from be-
coming acrid, and its being absorbed in this state.
Costiveness is likewise to be avoided. This will be
best effected by the use of mild clysters and a laxa
tive diet.
We shall conclude our observations on child-bed
women, by recommending it to them, above all
things, to beware of cold. Poor women, whose cir-
cumstances oblige them to quit their bed too soon,
often contract diseases from cold, of which they ne-
179
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274
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ver recover. It is a pity the poor are not better tak-
en care of in this situation.
OF BARRENNESS.
BARRENNESS may be very properly reckoned among
the diseases of females, as few married women, who
have not children, enjoy a good state of health. It
may proceed from various causes, as high living,
grief, relaxation, &c.; but it is chiefly owing to
an obstruction or irregularity of the menstrual
flux.
It is very certain that high living vitiates the hu-
mours and prevents fecundity. We seldom find a
barren woman among the poor, while nothing is
more common among the rich and affluent. The
inhabitants of every country are prolific in propor-
tion to their poverty; and it would be an easy mat-
ter to adduce many instances of women who, by be-
ing reduced to live entirely upon milk and vegeta-
ble diet, have conceived and brought forth children,
though they never had any before. Would the rich
use the same sort of food and exercise as the better
sort of peasants, they would seldom have cause to
envy their poor vassals and dependents the blessing
of a numerous and healthy offspring, while they
pine in sorrow for want of even a single heir to their
extensive domains.
Affluence begets indolence, which not only viti-
ates the humours, but induces a general relaxation of
the solids; a state highly unfavourable to procrea-
tion. To remove this, we would recommend the fol-
lowing course: First, sufficient exercise in the open
air; secondly, a diet consisting chiefly of milk and
vegetables: thirdly, the use of astringent medicines,
as steel, alum, dragon's blood, elixir of vitriol, the
Spa or Tunbridge waters, Peruvian bark, &c.; and,
lastly, above all, the cold-bath.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
275
Barrenness is often the consequence of grief, sud-
den fear, anxiety, or any of the passions which tend
to obstruct the menstrual flux. When barrenness
is suspected to proceed from affections of the mind,
the person ought to be kept as easy and cheerful as
possible; all disagreeable objects are to be avoided,
and every method taken to amuse and entertain the
fancy.
DISEASES OF CHILDREN.
It must be obvious, to every attentive person, that
the first diseases of infants arise chiefly from their
bowels. Nor is this in the least to be wondered at,
as they are in a manner poisoned with indigestible
drugs and improper diet, as soon as they come into
the world. Every thing that the stomach cannot
digest may be considered as a poison; and unless it
can be thrown up, or voided by stool, it must occa-
sion sickness, gripes, spasmodic affections of the
bowels, or what the good women call inward fits,
and at last convulsions and death.
As these symptoms evidently arise from some-
what that irritates the intestines, doubtless the pro-
per method of cure must be to expel it as soon as
possible. The most safe and effectual method of
doing this is by gentle vomits. Five or six grains
of the powder of ipecacuanha may be mixed in
two table-spoonsful of water, and sweetened with a
little sugar. A tea-spoonful of this may be given.
to the infant every quarter of an hour till it oper-
ates; or, what will more certainly answer the pur-
pose, a grain of emetic tartar may be dissolved in
three ounces of water, sweetened with a little syrup,
and given as above. Those who are unwilling to use
the emetic tartar, may give six or seven drops of
the antimonial wine, in a tea-spoonful of water or
thin gruel. Small doses of the ipecacuanha wine
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
will be found more gentle than any of the above,
and ought to be preferred.
These medicines will not only cleanse the stomach,
but will generally likewise open the body. Should
this, however, not happen, and if the child be cos-
tive, some gentle purge will be necessary; for this
purpose, some manna and pulp of cassia may be dis-
solved in boiling water, and given in small quanti-
ties till it operates; or, what will answer rather bet-
ter, a few grains of magnesia alba may be mixed in
any kind of food that is given to the child, and con-
tinued till it has the desired effect. If these medicines
be properly administered, and the child's belly and
limbs be frequently rubbed with a warm hand be-
fore the fire, they will seldom fail to relieve those
affections of the stomach and bowels from which in-
fants suffer so much.
These general directions include most of what can
be done for relieving the internal disorders of in-
fants. They will likewise go a considerable way in
alleviating those which appear externally, as the
rash, gum or fellon, &c. These, as was formerly ob-
served, are principally owing to the hot regimen,
and consequently will be most effectually relieved
by gentle evacuations. Indeed, evacuations of one
kind or other constitute a principal part of the medi-
cine of infants, and will seldom, if administered
with prudence, in any of their diseases, fail to give
relief.
OF THE MECONIUM.
THE stomach and bowels of a new-born infant are
filled with a blackish coloured matter, of the consis-
tence of syrup, commonly called the meconium. This
is generally passed soon after birth, by the mere ef-
fort of nature; in which case it is not necessary to
ive the infant any kind of medicine. But if it
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
277
should be retained, or not sufficiently carried off, a
little manna or magnesia alba may be given as men-
tioned above; or, if these should not be at hand, a
common spoonful of whey, sweetened with a little.
honey or moist sugar, will answer the purpose.
The most proper medicine for expelling the me-
corium is the mother's milk, which is always at first
of a purgative quality. Were children allowed to
suck as soon as they show an inclination for the
breast, they would seldom have occasion for medi-
cines to discharge the meconium; but even where
this is not allowed, they ought never to have daubs
of syrup, oils, and other indigestible stuff, crammed
down their throats.
OF THE APHTHE, OR THRUSH.
THE aphthæ are little whitish ulcers, affecting the
whole inside of the mouth, tongue, throat, and sto-
mach, of infants. Sometimes they reach through
the intestinal canal; in which case they are very
dangerous, and often put an end to the infant's
life.
If the aphthæ are of a pale colour, pellucid, few
in number, soft, superficial, and fall easily off, they
are not dangerous; but if opaque, yellow, brown,
black, thick, or running together, they ought to be
dreaded.
It is generally thought that the aphthæ owe their
origin to acid humours; we have reason, however,
to believe, they are more frequently owing to too
hot a regimen both of mother and child. It is a rare
thing to find a child who is not dosed with wine,
punch, cinnamon-waters, or some other hot and in-
flaming liquors, almost as soon as it is born. It is
well known that these will occasion inflammatory
disorders even in adults; is it any wonder, then, that
they should heat and inflame the tender bodies of
infants, and set, as it were, the whole constitution on
a blaze?
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
The most proper medicines for the aphthæ are vo-
mits, such as have been already recommended, and
gentle laxatives. Five grains of rhubarb, and half
a drachm of magnesia alba, may be rubbed together,
and divided into six doses, one of which may be giv-
en to the infant every four or five hours till they
operate. These powders may either be given in the
child's food, or a little of the syrup of pale roses,
and may be repeated as often as is found necessary
to keep the body open. It is common in this case
to administer calomel; but as that medicine some-
times occasions gripes, it ought always to be given
to infants with caution.
Many things have been recommended for garg-
ling the mouth and throat in this disease; but it is
not easy to apply these in very young children; we
would therefore recommend it to the nurse to rub
the child's mouth frequently with a little borax and
honey; or with the following mixture: Take fine
honey, an ounce; borax, a drachm; burnt alum, half
a drachm; rose-water, two drachms; mix them to-
gether. A very proper application, in this case, is
a solution of ten or twelve grains of white vitriol in
eight ounces of barley-water. This may be ap-
plied with the finger, or by means of a bit of soft rag
tied to the end of a probe.
OF ACIDITIES.
THE food of children being for the most part of an
acescent nature, it readily turns sour upon the sto-
mach, especially if the body be any way disordered.
Hence most diseases of children are accompanied
with evident signs of acidity, as green stools, gripes,
&c. These appearances have induced many to be-
lieve that all the diseases of children were owing to
an acid abounding in the stomach and bowels; but
whoever considers the matter attentively, will find
that these symptoms of acidity are oftener the effect,
than the cause, of their diseases.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
279
Nature evidently intended that the food of child-
ren should be acescent; and unless the body be dis-
ordered, or the digestion hurt, from some other cause,
we will venture to say, that the acescent quality of
their food is seldom injurious to them. Acidity,
however, is often a symptom of disorder in children;
and, as it is sometimes a troublesome one, we shall
point out the method of relieving it.
When green stools, gripes, purgings, sour smells,
&c. show that the bowels abound with an acid, the
child should have a little small broth, with light
white bread in it; and should have sufficient exer-
cise, in order to promote the digestion. It has been
customary in this case to give the pearl-julep, chalk,
crabs'-eyes, and other testaceous powders. These,
indeed, by their absorbent quality, may correct the
acidity; but they are attended with this inconve-
nience, that they are apt to lodge in the bowels, and
occasion costiveness, which may prove very hurtful
to the infant. For this reason they should never be
given unless mixed with purgative medicines; as
rhubarb, manna, or such like.
The best medicine which we know in all cases
of
acidity, is that fine insipid powder, called magnesia
alba. It purges, and, at the same time, corrects the
acidity; by which means it not only removes the
disease, but carries off its cause. It may be given
in any kind of food, or in a mixture, as recommend-
ed in the Appendix.
When an infant is troubled with gripes, it ought
not at first to be dosed with brandy, spiceries and
other hot things; but should have its body opened
with an emollient clyster, or the medicine men-
tioned above; and at the same time, a little brandy
may be rubbed on its belly with a warm hand be-
fore the fire. I have seldom seen this fail to ease
the gripes of infants. If it should happen, however,
not to succeed, a little brandy or other spirits may
be mixed with thrice the quantity of warm water,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
and a tea-spoonful of it given frequently, till the in-
fant be easier. Sometimes a little peppermint-wa-
ter will answer this purpose as well.
GALLING AND EXCORIATION.
They
THESE are very troublesome to children.
happen chiefly about the groin and wrinkles of the
neck, under the arms, behind the ears, and other
parts that are moistened with sweat or urine.
As these complaints are, in a great measure, ow-
ing to want of cleanliness, the most effectual means
of preventing them are, to wash the parts frequent-
ly with cold water, to change the linen often, and,
in a word, to keep the child in all respects thorough-
ly clean. When this is not sufficient, the excoriated
parts may be sprinkled with absorbent or drying
powders; as burnt hartshorn, tutty, chalk, crabs'-
claws prepared, and the like. When the parts af-
fected are very sore, and tend to real ulceration, it
will be proper to add a little sugar of lead to the
powders; or to anoint the place with the camphor-
ated ointment. If the parts be washed with spring
water, in which a little white vitriol has been dissol-
ved, it will dry and heal them very powerfully. One
of the best applications for this purpose is to dis-
solve some fullers'-earth in a sufficient quantity of
hot water and after it has stood till it is cold, to
rub it gently upon the galled parts once or twice a-
day; or to wash them gently now and then with a
mixture of equal parts of rose-water and spirits of
wine.
STOPPAGE OF THE NOSE.
THE nostrils of infants are often plugged up with a
gross mucus, which prevents their breathing freely,
and likewise renders it difficult for them to suck or
swallow.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
281
Some in this case order, after a suitable purge, two
or three grains of white vitriol, dissolved in half an
Gunce of marjoram-water, and filtered, to be applied
now and then to the nostrils with a linen rag. We-
delus says, if two grains of white vitriol, and the
same quantity of elaterium, be dissolved in half an
ounce of marjoram-water, and applied to the nose,
as above directed, that it brings away the mucus
without sneezing.
In obstinate cases, these medicines may be tried;
but I have never found anything necessary, besides
rubbing the nose at bed-time with a little sweet oil
or fresh butter. This resolves the filth, and renders
the breathing more free.
OF VOMITING.
FROM the delicate state of children, and the great
sensibility of their organs, a vomiting or looseness
may be induced by any thing that irritates the
nerves of the stomach or intestines. Hence these
disorders are much more common in childhood
than in the more advanced periods of life. They
are seldom, however, dangerous, and ought never to
be considered as diseases, unless when they are vio-
lent, or continue so long as to exhaust the strength
of the patient.
Vomiting may be excited by an over quantity of
food; by food that is of such a nature as to irritate
the nerves of the stomach too much; or by the sen-
sibility of the nerves being so much increased as to
reuder them unable to bear the stimulus of even the
mildest aliment.
When vomiting is occasioned by too much food,
it ought to be promoted, as the cure will depend
upon cleansing the stomach. This may be done ei-
ther by a few grains of ipecacuanha, or a weak so-
lution of emetic tartar, as mentioned before. When
it is owing to food of an acrid or irritating quality,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
the diet ought to be changed, and aliment of a mild-
er nature substituted in its stead.
When vomiting proceeds from an increased de-
gree of sensibility, or too great an irritability of the
nerves of the stomach, such medicines as have a
tendency to brace and strengthen that organ, and to
abate its sensibility, must be used. The first of
these intentions may be answered by a slight infu-
sion of the Peruvian bark, with the addition of a
little rhubarb and orange peel; and the second by
the saline draught, to which a few drops of liquid
laudanum may occasionally be added.
In obstinate vomitings, the operation of internal
medicines may be assisted by aromatic fomentations
made with wine, applied warm to the pit of the sto-
mach; or the use of the stomach plaster, with the
addition of a little theriaca.
OF A LOOSENESS.
A looseness may generally be reckoned salutary,
when the stools are sour, slimy, green, or curdled.
It is not the discharge, but the production of such
stools, which ought to be remedied. Even where
the purging is thin and watery, it ought not to be
checked too suddenly, as it often proves critical,
especially when the child has caught cold, or an
eruption on the skin has disappeared. Sometimes
an evacuation of this kind succeeds a humid state of
the atmosphere, it which case it may also prove
of advantage, by carrying off a quantity of watery
humours, which would otherwise tend to relax the
habit.
As the principal intention, in the cure of a loose-
ness, is to evacuate the offending matter, it is cus-
tomary to give the patient a gentle vomit of ipeca-
cuanha, and afterwards to exhibit small and fre-
quent doses of rhubarb; interposing absorbent me-
dicines to mitigate the acrimony of the humours.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
283
The best purge, however, in this case, is magnesia
alba. It is at the same time absorbent and laxative,
and operates without exciting gripes.
The antimonial wine, which acts both as an eme-
tic and purge, is also an excellent medicine in this
cas. By being diluted with water, it may be pro-
portioned to the weakest constitution; and, not
being disagreeable to the palate, it may be repeated
as often as occasion requires. Even one dose will
frequently mitigate the disease, and pave the way
for the use of absorbents. If, however, the patient's
strength will permit, the medicine ought to be re-
peated every six or eight hours, till the stools begin
to assume a more natural appearance; afterwards
a longer space may be allowed to intervene between
the doses. When it is necessary to repeat the
medicine frequently, the dose ought always to be
a little increased, as its efficacy is generally dimin-
ished by use.
Some, upon the first appearance of a looseness,
fly immediately to the use of absorbent medicines
and astringents. If these be administered before
the offending humours are discharged, though the
disease may appear to be mitigated for a little time,
it soon afterwards breaks forth with greater vio-
lence, and often proves fatal. After proper evacua-
tions, however, these medicines may be administer-
ed with considerable advantage.
Should any gripings or restlessness remain, after
the stomach and bowels have been cleansed, a tea-
spoonful of the syrup of poppies may be given in a
little cinnamon water, three or four times a-day, till
these symptoms have ceased.
OF ERUPTIONS.
CHILDREN, while on the breast, are seldom free from
eruptions of one kind or other. These, however,
are not often dangerous, and ought never to be dried
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
up but with the greatest caution. They tend to free
the bodies of infants from hurtful humours, which,
if retained, might produce fatal disorders.
The eruptions of children are chiefly owing to
improper food and neglect of cleanliness. If a child
be stuffed at all hours with food that its stomach is
not able to digest, such food, not being properly as-
similated, instead of nourishing the body, fills it
with gross humours. These must either break out
in form of eruptions upon the skin, or remain in the
body, and occasion fevers and other internal disor-
ders. That neglect of cleanliness is a very general
cause of eruptive disorders, must be very obvious
to every one. The children of the poor, and of all
who despise cleanliness, are almost constantly found
to swarm with vermin, and are generally covered.
with the scab, itch, and other eruptions.
When eruptions are the effect of improper food,
or want of cleanliness, a proper attention to these
alone will generally be sufficient to remove them.
If this should not be the case, some drying medi-
cines will be necessary. When they are applied,
the body ought at the same time to be kept open,
and cold is carefully to be avoided. We know no
medicine that is more safe for drying up cutaneous
eruptions than sulphur, provided it be prudently
used. A little of the flower of sulphur may be mix-
ed with fresh butter, oil, or hogslard, aud the parts
affected frequently touched with it.
The most obstinate of all the eruptions incident
to children, are the tinea capitis, or scabbed head,
and chilblains. The scabbed head is often exceed-
ingly difficult to cure, and sometimes, indeed, the
I have fre-
cure proves worse than the disease.
quently known children seized with internal disor-
orders, of which they died, soon after their scabbed
heads had been healed by the application of drying
medicines. The cure ought always first to be at-
tempted by keeping the head very clean, cutting off
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
285
the hair, combing and brushing away the scabs, &c.
If this is not sufficient, let the head be shaved once
a week, washed daily with yellow soap, and gently
anointed with a liniment made of train oil, eight
ounces; red precipitate, in fine powder, one drachm.
And if there be proud flesh, it should be touched
with a bit of blue vitriol, or sprinkled with a little
burnt alum. While these things are doing, the
patient must be confined to a regular light diet, the
body should be kept gently open; and cold, as
far as possible ought to be avoided. To prevent any
bad consequences from stopping this discharge, it
will be proper, especially in children of a gross
habit, to make an issue in the neck or arm, which
may be kept open till the patient becomes more
strong, and the constitution be somewhat mended.
Chilblains commonly attack children in cold
weather. They are generally occasioned by the feet
or hands being kept long wet or cold, and after-
wards suddenly heated. When children are cold,
instead of taking exercise to warm themselves
gradually, they run to the fire. This occasions a
sudden refraction of the humours, and an infraction
of the vessels; which being often repeated, the
vessels are at last over-distended, and forced to
give way.
To prevent it, violent cold and sudden heat must
be equally avoided. When the parts begin to look
red and swell, the patient ought to be purged, and
to have the affected parts frequently rubbed with
mustard and brandy, or something of a warming
nature. They ought likewise to be covered with
flannel, and kept warm and dry. Some apply
warm ashes between cloths to the swelled parts,
which frequently help to reduce them. When there
is a sore, it must be dressed with Turner's cerate,
the ointment of tutty, the plaster cerus, or some
other drying ointment. These sores are indeed
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
troublesome but seldom dangerous. They generally
heal as soon as the warm weather sets.in.
OF THE CROUP.
CHILDREN are often scized very suddenly with
this disease, which, if not quickly relieved, proves
mortal. It is known by various names in different
parts of Britain. On the east coast of Scotland, it is
called the croup. On the west, they call it the
chock or stuffing. In some parts of England where
I have observed it, the good women call it the
rising of the lights. It seems to be a species of the
asthma, attended with the acute and violent catarrhal
symptoms.
seasons.
This disease generally prevails in cold and wet
It is most common upon the sea coast,
and in low marshy countries. Children of a gross
and lax habit are most liable to it. I have some-
times known it hereditary. It generally attacks
children in the night, after having been much ex-
posed to damp, cold, easterly winds through the day.
Damp houses, wet feet, thin shoes, wet clothes, or
any thing that obstructs the perspiration, may oc-
casion the croup.
It is attended with a frequent pulse, quick and
laborious breathing, which is performed with a pe-
culiar kind of croaking noise, that may be heard at
a considerable distance. The voice is sharp and
shrill, and the face is generally much flushed, though
sometimes it is of a livid colour.
When a child is seized with the above symptoms,
his feet should be immediately put into warm water.
He ought likewise to be bled, and to have a laxative
clyster administered as soon as possible. He should
be made to breathe over the steam of warm water
and vinegar; or an emollient decoction, and emol-
lient cataplasms or fomentations, may be applied
round his neck. If the symptoms do not abate, a
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
287
blistering-plaster must be applied round the neck,
or between the shoulders; and the child may take
frequently a table-spoonful of the following julep:
Take penny-royal water, three ounces; syrup of al-
thea and of poppies, each one ounce; mix them to-
gether.
A
Assafœtida is found to have a good effect in this
case. It may be both given in the form of clyster,
and taken by the mouth. Two drachms of assafoe-
tida may be dissolved in one ounce of Mindererus's
spirit and three ounces of penny-royal water.
table-spoonful of this mixture may be given every
hour, or oftener, if the patient's stomach be able to
bear it. If the child cannot be brought to take this
medicine, two drachms of assafoetida may be dissolv.
ed in a common clyster, and administered every six
or eight hours, till the violence of the disease a
bates.
To prevent a return of the disorder, all those
things which occasion it must be carefully avoided;
as wet feet, cold, damp, easterly winds, &c. Child-
ren who have had frequent returns of this disease, or
whose constitutions seem to dispose them to it,
ought to have their diet properly regulated; all food
that is viscid or hard of digestion, and all crude, raw,
trashy fruits, are to be avoided. They ought like-
wise to have a drain constantly kept open in some
part of their body, by means of a seton or issue. I
have sometimes known a Burgundy-pitch plaster,
worn continually between the shoulders for several
years, have a very happy effect in preventing the re-
turn of this dreadful disorder.
OF TEETHING.
ABOUT the sixth or seventh month the teeth gener-
ally begin to make their appearance; first, the inci-
sores, or fore-teeth; next, the canini, or dog-teeth;
and, lastly, the molares, or grinders. About the se.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
1
venth year, there comes a new set: and about the
twentieth, the two inner grinders called dentes sapi-
entiæ, the teeth of wisdom.
Children about the time of cutting their teeth, sla-
ver much, and have generally a looseness. When
the teething is difficult, especially when the dog-
teeth begin to make their way through the guns,
the child has startings in his sleep, tumours of the
gums, watchings, gripes, green stools, the thrush-
fever, difficult breathing, and convulsions.
Difficult teething requires nearly the same treat-
ment as an inflammatory disease. If the body be
bound, it must be opened either by emollient clys-
ters or gentle purgatives; as manna, magnesia alba,
rhubarb, senna, or the like. The food should be
light and in small quantity: the drink plentiful, but
weak and diluting, as infusions of balm, or of the
lime-tree flowers; to which about a third or fourth
part of milk may be added.
If the fever be high, bleeding will be necessary;
but this in very young children ought always to be
sparingly performed. It is an evacuation which
they bear the worst of any. Purging, vomiting, or
sweating, agree much better with them, and are ge-
nerally more beneficial. Harris, however, observes,
that when an inflammation appears, the physician
will labour in vain, if the cure be not begun with ap-
plying a leech under each ear. If the child be seiz-
ed with convulsion fits, a blistering-plaster may be
applied between the shoulders, or one behind each
ear.
Several things have been recommended for rub-
bing the gums, as oils, mucilages, &c.; but from
these much is not to be expected. If any thing of
this kind is to be used, we would recommend a little
fine honey, which may be rubbed on with the finger
three or four times a-day. Children are generally
at this time disposed to chew whatever they get into
their hands. For this reason they ought never to be
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
259
without something that will yield to the pressure of
their gums, as a crust of bread, a wax candle, a bit
of liquorice-root, or such like.
With regard to cutting the gums, we have seldom
known it of any benefit. In obstinate cases, how-
ever, it ought to be tried. It may be performed by
the finger nail, the edge of a sixpenny piece that is
worn thin, or any sharp body which can be with
safety introduced into the mouth; but the lancet, in
a skilful hand, is certainly the most proper.
In order to render the teething less difficult, pa-
rents ought to take care that their children's food be
light and wholesome, and that their nerves be braced
by sufficient exercise without doors, the use of the
cold-bath, &c. Were these things duly regarded,
they would have a much better effect than teething
necklaces, or other nonsensical amulets, worn for that
purpose.
OF THE RICKETS.
THIS disease generally attacks children between the
age of nine months and two years. It appeared first
in England about the time when manufactures be-
gan to flourish, and still prevails most in towns
where the inhabitants follow sedentary employments,
by which means they neglect either to take proper
exercise themselves, or to give it to their children.
CAUSES.-One cause of the rickets is diseased pa-
rents. Mothers of a weak, relaxed habit, who neg-
lect exercise, and live upon weak, watery diet, can
neither be expected to bring forth strong and heal-
thy children, or to be able to nurse them, after they
are brought forth. Accordingly we find that the chil-
dren of such women generally die of the rickets, the
scrofula, consumptions, or such like diseases. Child-
ren begotten by men in the decline of life, who are
subject to the gout, the gravel, or other chronic dis-
eases, or who have been often afflicted with the ve-
179
290
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
nereal disease in their youth, are likewise very lia-
ble to the rickets.
Any disorder that weakens the constitution or re-
laxes the habit of children, as the small-pox, meas-
es, teething, the hooping-cough, &c. disposes them
to this disease. It may likewise be occasioned by
improper diet, as food that is either too weak and
watery, or so viscid that the stomach cannot digest
it.
But nursing is the chief cause of this disease.
When the nurse is either diseased, or has not enough
of milk to nourish the child, it cannot thrive. But
children suffer oftener by want of care in nurses than
want of food. Allowing an infant to lie or sit too
much, or not keeping it thoroughly clean in its
clothes, has the most pernicious effects.
The want of free air is likewise very hurtful to
children in this respect. When a nurse lives in a
close small house, where the air is damp and con-
fined, and is too indolent to carry her child abroad
into the open air, it will hardly escape this disease.
A healthy child should always be in motion, unless
when asleep; if it be suffered to lie or sit, instead of
being tossed and dandled about, it will not thrive.
SYMPTOMS.-At the beginning of this discase, the
child's flesh grows soft and flabby; its strength is
diminished; it loses its wonted cheerfulness, looks
more grave and composed than is natural for its age,
and does not choose to be moved. The head and
belly become too large in proportion to the other
parts; the face appears full, and the complexion
florid. Afterwards the bones begin to be affected,
especially in the more soft and spongy parts. Hence
the wrists and ancles become thicker than usual;
the spine or back-bone puts on an unnatural shape;
the breast is likewise often deformed; and the bones
of the arms and legs grow crooked. All these symp-
toms vary according to the violence of the disease.
The pulse is generally quick, but feeble; the appe-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
291
tite and digestion for the most part bad; the teeth
come slowly and with difficulty, and they often rot
and fall out afterwards. Ricketty children have ge-
nerally great acuteness of mind, and an understand-
ing above their years. Whether this is owing to
their being more in the company of adults than
other children, or to the preternatural enlargement
of the brain, is not material.
REGIMEN.-As this disease is always attended
with evident signs of weakness and relaxation, our
chief aim in the cure must be to brace and strength-
en the solids, and to promote digestion and the due
preparation of the fluids. These important ends
will be best answered by wholesome and nourishing
diet, suited to the age and strength of the patient,
open dry air, and sufficient exercise. If the child
has a bad nurse, who either neglects ber duty, or
does not understand it, she should be changed. If
the season be cold, the child ought to be kept warm;
and when the weather is hot, it ought to be kept
cool; as sweating is apt to weaken it, and too great
a degree of cold has the same effect. The limbs
should be rubbed frequently with a warm hand, and
the child kept as cheerful as possible.
The diet ought to be dry and nourishing, as good
bread, roasted flesh, &c. Biscuit is generally reck-
oned the best bread; and pigeons, pullets, veal, rab-
bits, or mutton, roasted or minced, are the most pro-
per meat.
If the child be too young for animal
food, he may have rice, millet, or pearl-barley, boil-
ed with raisins, to which may be added a little wine
and spice. His drink may be good claret, mixed
with an equal quantity of water. Those who cannot
afford claret, may give the child now and then a
wine-glass of mild ale or good porter.
MEDICINE.-Medicines are here of little avail.
The disease may often be cured by the nurse, but
seldom by the physician. In children of a gross
habit, gentle vomits and repeated purges of rhubarb
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BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
may sometimes be of use, but they will seldom car-
ry off the disease; that must depend chiefly upon
such things as brace and strengthen the system: for
which purpose, besides the regimen mentioned above,
we would recommend the cold-bath, especially in
the warm season. It must however be used with
prudence, as some ricketty children cannot bear it.
The best time for using the cold-bath is in the morn-
ing, and the child should be well rubbed with a dry
cloth immediately after he comes out of it. If the
child should be weakened by the cold-bath, it must
be discontinued.
Sometimes issues have been found beneficial in
this disease. They are peculiarly necessary for
children who abound with gross humours. An in-
fusion of the Peruvian bark in wine or ale would be
of service, were it possible to bring children to take
it. We might here mention many other medicines.
which have been recommended for the rickets; but
as there is far more danger in trusting to these than
in neglecting them altogether, we choose rather to
pass them over, and to recommend a proper regi.
men as the thing chiefly to be depended on.
OF CONVULSIONS.
CONVULSIONS proceed from an irritation of the
stomach or bowels; whatever clears them of their
acrid contents, or renders these mild and inoffensive,
will generally perform a cure; if the child be cos-
tive the best way will be to begin with a clyster, and
afterwards to give a gentle vomit, which may be re-
peated occasionally, and the body in the mean time
kept open by gentle doses of magnesia alba, or small
quantities of rhubarb mixed with the powder of
crabs' claws.
Convulsions which precede the eruption of the
small pox or measles, generally go off upon these
making their appearance. The principal danger in
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
293
1
this case arises from the fear and apprehension of
those who have the care of the patient. Convul-
sions are very alarming; and something must be
done to appease the affrighted parents, nurses, &c.
Hence the unhappy infant often undergoes bleeding,
blistering, and several other operations, to the great
danger of its life, when a little time, bathing the
feet in warm water, and throwing in a mild clyster,
would have set all to rights.
When convulsion fits arise from the cutting of
teeth, besides gentle evacuations, we would recom-
mend blistering, and the use of antispasmodic medi-
cines, as the tincture of soot, assafoetida, or castor.
A few drops of any of these may be mixed in a cup
of white-wine whey, and given occasionally.
When convulsions proceed from an external
cause, as the pressure occasioned by strait clothes
or bandages, &c. these ought immediately to be re-
moved; though in this case taking away the cause
will not always remove the effect, yet it ought to be
done. It is not likely that the patient will recover,
as long as the cause which first gave rise to the dis-
order continues to act.
When a child is seized with convulsions, without
having any complaint in the bowels, or symptoms
of teething; or any rash or other discharge which
has been suddenly dried up; we have reason to
conclude that it is a primary disease, and proceeds
immediately from the brain. Cases of this kind,
however, happen but seldom; which is very for-
tunate, as little can be done to relieve the unhappy
patient. When a disease proceeds from an original
fault in the formation or structure of the brain it-
self, we cannot expect that it should yield to medi-
cine. But as this is not always the cause, even of
convulsions which proceed immediately from the
brain, some attempts should be made to remove
them. The chief intention to be pursued for this
purpose, is to make some derivation from the head,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
by blistering, purging, and the like. Should these
fail, issues or setons may be put in the neck, or be-
tween the shoulders.
OF WATER IN THE HEAD.
THOUGH water in the head, or a dropsy of the
brain, may affect adults as well as children, yet, as
the latter are more peculiarly liable to it, we thought
it would be most proper to place it among the dis-
eases of infants.
CAUSES.-A dropsy of the brain may proceed
from injuries done to the brain itself, by falls, blows,
or the like; it may likewise proceed from an
original laxity or weakness of the brain; from
schirrous tumours or excrescences within the skull;
a thin watery state of the blood; a diminished se-
cretion of urine; a sudden check of the perspir-
ation; and, lastly, from tedious and lingering dis-
eases, which waste and consume the patient.
SYMPTOMS.-This disease has at first the appear-
ance of a slow fever; the patient complains of a
pain in the crown of his head, or over his eyes; he
shuns the light; is sick, and sometimes vomits; his
pulse is irregular and generally low; though he
seems heavy and dull, yet he does not sleep; he is
sometimes delirious, and frequently sees objects
double; towards the end of this commonly fatal
disease, the pulse becomes more frequent, the pu-
pils are generally dilated, the cheeks flushed, the
patient becomes comatose, and convulsions ensue.
MEDICINE.-No medicine has hitherto been
found sufficient to carry off a dropsy of the brain.
It is laudable, however, to make some attempts, as
time or chance may bring many things to light, of
which, at present, we have no idea. The medicines
generally used are, purges of rhubarb or jalap, with
calomel, and blistering-plasters applied to the neck
or back part of the head. To which we would beg
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
295
leave to add, diuretics, or medicines which pro-
inote the secretion of urine, such as are recommend-
ed in the common dropsy. A discharge from the
nose ought likewise to be promoted, by causing the
patient to snuff the powder of asarum, white belle-
bore, or the like.
Some practitioners have of late pretended to cure
this disease by the use of mercury. I have not
been so happy as to see any instance of a cure being
performed in a confirmed dropsy of the brain; but
in so desperate a malady, every thing deserves a
trial.
OF BLEEDING.
BLEEDING is proper at the beginning of all inflam-
matory fevers, as pleurisies, peripneumonies, &c.
It is likewise proper in all topical inflammations, as
those of the intestines, womb, bladder, stomach,
kidneys, throat, eyes, &c. as also in the asthma,
sciatic pains, coughs, head-aches, rheumatisms, the
apoplexy, epilepsy, and bloody flux. After falls,
blows, bruises, or any violent hurt received either
externally or internally, bleeding is necessary. It
is likewise necessary for persons who have had the
misfortune to be strangled, drowned, suffocated with
foul air, the fumes of metal, or the like. In a word,
whenever the vital motions have been stopped from
any cause whatever, except in swoonings occasioned
by more weakness, or hysteric affections, it is proper
to open a vein. But in all disorders proceeding
from a relaxation of the solids, and an impoverished
state of the blood, as dropsies, cacochymies, &c.
bleeding is improper.
Bleeding for topical inflammations ought always
to be performed as near the part affected as possible.
When this can be done with a lancet, it is to be pre-
ferred to any other method; but when a vein can-
not be found, recourse must be had to leeches or
cupping.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
The quantity of blood to be let must always be re-
gulated by the strength, age, constitution, manner
of life, and other circumstances relating to the pa-
tient. It would be ridiculous to suppose that a
child could bear to lose as much blood as a grown
person, or that a delicate lady should be bled to the
same extent as a robust man.
From whatever part of the body blood is to be let,
a bandage must be applied between that part and the
heart. As it is often necessary, in order to raise the
vein, to make the bandage pretty tight, it will be
proper in such cases, as soon as the blood begins to
flow, to slacken it a little. The bandage ought to
be applied at least an inch, or an inch and a half,
from the place where the wound is intended to be
made.
Persons not skilled in anatomy ought never to
bleed in a vein that lies over an artery or a tendon,
if they can avoid it. The former may easily be
known from its pulsation or beating, and the latter
from its feeling hard or tight like a whipcord under
the finger.
OF INFLAMMATIONS AND ABSCESSES.
FROM whatever cause an inflammation proceeds, it
must terminate either by dispersion, suppuration,
or gangrene. Though it is impossible to foretel with
certainty in which of these ways any particular in-
flammation will terminate, yet a probable conjec-
ture may be formed with regard to the event, from a
knowledge of the patient's age and constitution. In-
flammations happening in a slight degree upon
colds, and without any previous indisposition, will
most probably be dispersed; those which follow
close upon a fever, or happen to persons of a gross
habit of body, will generally suppurate; and those
which attack very old people, or persons of a drop-
sical habit, will have a strong tendency to gangrene.
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
297
If the inflammation be slight, and the constitu-
tion sound, the dispersion ought always to be at-
tempted. This will be best promoted by a slender
diluting diet, plentiful bleeding, and repeated purg-
es. The part itself must be fomented; and, if the
skin be very tense, it may be embrocated with a
mixture of three-fourths of sweet oil and one-fourth
of vinegar, and afterwards covered with a piece of
wax-plaster.
If, notwithstanding these applications, the symp-
tomatic fever increases, and the tumour becomes
larger, with violent pain and pulsation, it will be
proper to promote the suppuration. The best ap-
plication for this purpose is a soft poultice, which
may be renewed twice a-day. If the suppuration
proceeds but slowly, a raw onion cut small or bruis-
ed, may be spread upon the poultice. When the
abscess is ripe, or fit for opening, which may easily
be known from the thinness of the skin in the most
prominent part of it, fluctuation of matter, which
may be felt under the finger, and, generally speak-
ing, an abatement of the pain, it may be opened ei-
ther with a lancet or by means of a caustic.
The last way in which an inflammation terminates,
is in a gangrene or mortification, the approach of
which may be known by the following symptoms;
the inflammation loses its redness, and becomes
duskish or livid; the tension of the skin goes off,
and it feels flabby; little bladders, filled with ichor
of different colours, spread all over it; the tumour
subsides, and from a duskish complexion becomes
black; a thick low pulse, with cold clammy sweats,
are the immediate forerunners of death.
When these symptoms first appear, the part
ought to be dressed with London treacle, or a cata-
plasm made of lixivium and bran. Sould the symp-
toms become worse, the part must be scarified, and
afterwards dressed with basilicum softened with
oil of turpentine. All the dressings must be applied
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BUCIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
warm. With regard to internal medicines, the pa-
tient must be supported with generous cordials, and
the Peruvian bark exhibited in as large doses as the
stomach will bear. If the mortified parts should
separate, the wound will become a common ulcer,
and must be treated accordingly.
This article includes the treatment of all those
diseases which, in different parts of the country, go
by the names of boils, imposthumes, whitloes, &c.
They are all abscesses in consequence of a previous
inflammation, which, if possible, ought to be dis-
cussed: but when this cannot be done, the suppu-
ration should be promoted, and the matter discharg-
ed by an incision, if necessary; afterwards the
sore may be dressed with yellow basilicum, or some
other digestive ointment.
OF WOUNDS.
THE first thing to be done when a person has re-
ceived a wound, is to examine whether any foreign
body be lodged in it, as wood, iron, lead, glass, dirt,
bits of cloth, or the like. These, if possible, ought
to be extracted, and the wound cleansed, before any
dressing be applied. When that cannot be effected
with safety on account of the patient's weakness or
loss of blood, they must be suffered to remain in the
wound, and afterwards extracted, when he is more
able to bear it.
When a wound penetrates into any of the cavities
of the body, as the breast, the bowels, &c. or where
any considerable blood-vessel is cut, a skilful sur-
geon ought immediately to be called; otherwise the
patient may lose his life. But sometimes the dis-
charge of blood is so great, that, if it be not stopped,
the patient may die, even before a surgeon, though
at no great distance, can arrive. In this case, some-
thing must be done by those who are present. If
the wound be in any of the limbs, the bleeding may
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
239
generally be stopped by applying a tight ligature
or bandage round the member, a little above the
wound. The best method of doing this is to put a
strong broad garter round the part, but so slack as
to admit a small piece of stick to be put under it,
which must be twisted, in the same manner as a
countryman does his cart-rope to secure his load-
ing, till the bleeding stops. Whenever this is the
case, he must take care to twist it no longer, as
straining it too much might occasion an inflam-
mation of the parts, and endanger a gangrene.
In other parts, where this bandage cannot be ap-
plied, various other methods may be tried to stop
the bleeding, as the application of styptics, astrin-
gents, &c. Cloths dipped in a solution of blue vit-
riol and water, or the styptic water of the dispensa-
tories, may be applied to the wound. When these
cannot be obtained, strong spirits of wine may be
used. Some recommend the agaric of the oak, as
preferable to any of the other styptics; and indeed
it deserves considerable encomiums. It is easily ob-
tained, and ought to be kept in every family, in
case of accidents. A piece of it must be laid upon
the wound, and covered with a good deal of lint,
above which a bandage may be applied so tight as
to keep it firmly on.
Though spirits, tinctures, and hot balsams, may
be used, in order to stop the bleeding, when it is ex-
cessive, they are improper at other times. They do
not promote, but retard, the cure; and often change
a simple wound into an ulcer. People imagine, be-
cause hot balsams congeal the blood, and seem, as
it were, to solder up the wound, that they therefore
heal it; but this is only a deception. They may in-
deed stop the flowing blood, by searing the mouths
of the vessels; but, by rendering the parts callous,
they obstruct the cure.
In slight wounds, which do not penetrate much
deeper than the skin, the best application is a bit of
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
the common black sticking-plaster. This keeps the
sides of the wound together, and prevents the air
from getting into it, which is all that is necessary.
When a wound penetrates deep, it is not safe to keep
its lips quite close; this keeps in the matter, and is
apt to make the wound fester. In this case the best
way is to fill the wound with soft lint, commonly
called caddice. It, however, must not be stuffed in
too hard, otherwise it will do hurt. The lint may be
covered with a cloth dipped in oil, or spread with
common wax plaster; and the whole must be kept
on by a proper bandage.
The first dressing ought to continue on for at least
two days; after which it may be removed, and fresh
lint applied as before. If any part of the first dress-
ing sticks so close as not to be removed with ease or
safety to the patient, it may be allowed to continue,
and fresh lint dipped in sweet oil laid over it. This
will soften it, so as to make it come off easily at the
next dressing. Afterwards the wound may be dress-
ed twice a-day in the same manner, till it be quite
healed. Those who are fond of salves or ointments,
may, after the wound has become very superficial,
dress it with the yellow basilicum; and if fungus,
or what is called proud flesh, should rise in the
wound, it may be checked, by mixing with the
ointment a little burnt alum, or red precipitate of
mercury.
When a wound is greatly inflamed, the most
proper application is a poultice of bread and milk,
softened with a little sweet oil, or fresh butter.
This must be applied instead of a plaster, and
should be changed twice a-day.
If the wound be large, and there is great reason
to fear an inflammation, the patient should be kept
on very low dict. He must abstain from flesh,
strong liquors, and every thing that is of a heating
nature. If he be of a full habit, and has lost but
little blood from the wound, he must be bled; and,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
301
if the symptoms be urgent, the operation may be
repeated. But when the patient has been greatly
weakened by loss of blood from the wound, it will
be dangerous to bleed him, even though a fever
should ensue. Nature should never be too far ex-
hausted. It is always more safe to allow her to
struggle with the disease in her own way, than to
sink the patient's strength by excessive evacuations.
Wounded persons ought to be kept perfectly
quiet and easy. Every thing that ruffles the mind,
or moves the passions, as love, anger, fear, excessive
joy, &c. are very hurtful. The body should be kept
gently open, either by laxative clysters, or by a cool
vegetable diet, as roasted apples, stewed prunes,
boiled spinnage, and such like.
OF BURNS.
IN slight burns, which do not break the skin, it is
customary to hold the part near the fire for a com-
petent time, or rub it with salt, or to lay a compress
upon it, dipped in spirits of wine or brandy. ´But
when the burn has penetrated so deep as to blister
or break the skin, it must be dressed with some of
the liniments for burns mentioned in the Appendix,
or with the emollient and gentle drying ointinent,
commonly called Turner's cerate. This may be
mixed with an equal quantity of fresh olive-oil, and
spread upon a soft rag, and applied to the part af-
fected. When this ointment cannot be had, an egg
may be beat up with about an equal quantity of the
sweetest salad oil. This will serve very well, till a
proper ointment can be prepared. When the
burning is very deep, after the first two or three
days, it should be dressed with equal parts of yel-
low basilicum and Turner's cerate, mixed together.
When the burn is violent, or has occasioned a
high degree of inflammation, and there is reason to
fear a gangrene or mortification, the same means
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
must be used to prevent it, as are recommended in
other violent inflammations. The patient, in this
case, must live low, and drink freely of low diluting
liquors. He must likewise be bled, and have his
body kept open. But if the burnt parts should be-
come livid or black, with other symptoms of mor-
tification, it will be necessary to bathe them fre-
quently with warm camphorated spirits of wine,
tincture of myrrh, or other antiseptics, mixed with
a decoction of the bark. In this case the bark must
likewise be taken internally, and the patient's diet
must be more generous, with wine, &c.
OF BRUISES.
BRUISES are generally productive of worse conse-
-quences than wounds. The danger from them does
not appear immediately, by which means it often
happens that they are neglected. It is needless to
give any definition of a disease so universally
known; we shall therefore proceed to point out the
method of treating it.
In slight bruises it will be sufficient to bathe the
part with warm vinegar, to which a little brandy or
rum may be occasionally added; and to keep cloths
wet with this mixture constantly applied to it.
This is more proper than rubbing it with brandy,
spirits of wine, or other ardent spirits, which are
commonly used in such cases.
In some parts of the country, the peasants apply
to a recent bruise a cataplasm of fresh cow-dung.
I have often seen this cataplasm applied to violent
contusions, occasioned by blows, falls, bruises, and
such like, and never knew it fail to have a good ef-
fect.
When a bruise is very violent, the patient ought
immediately to be bled, and put upon a proper re-
gimen. His food should be light and cool, and his
drink weak and of an opening nature; as whey,
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303
The
sweetened with honey, decoctions of tamarinds,
barley, crean-tartar whey, and such like.
bruised part must be bathed with vinegar and water,
as directed above; and a poultice made by boiling
crumb of bread, elder-flowers, and camomile flowers,
in equal quantities of vinegar and water, applied to
it. This poultice is peculiarly proper when a wound
is joined to the bruise. It may be renewed two or
three times a-day.
As the structure of the vessels is totally destroy-
ed by a violent bruise, there often ensues a great
loss of substance, which produces an ulcerous sore,
very difficult to cure. If the bone be affected, the
sore will not heal before an exfoliation takes place ;
that is, before the diseased part of the bone separ-
ates, and comes out through the wound. This is
often a very slow operation, and may even require
several years to be completed. Hence it happens
that these sores are frequently mistaken for the
king's evil, and treated as such, though in fact they
proceed solely from the injury which the solid
parts received from the blow.
OF ULCERS.
ULCERS may be the consequence of wounds,
bruises, or imposthumes, improperly treated; they
may likewise proceed from an ill state of the hu
mours, or what may be called a bad habit of the
body.
In the latter case they ought not to be bastily
dried up, otherwise it may prove fatal to the patient.
Ulcers happen most commonly in the decline of
life; and persons who neglect exercise, and live
grossly, are most liable to them. They might often
be prevented by retrenching some part of the solid
food, or by opening artificial drains, as issues, se-
tons, or the like.
An ulcer may be distinguished from a wound, by
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
its discharging a thin watery humour, which is often
so acrid as to inflame and corrode the skin; by the
hardness and perpendicular situation of its sides
or edges; by the time of its duration, &c.
The most proper regimen for promoting the cure
of ulcers, is to avoid all spices, salted and high-
seasoned food, all strong liquors, and to lessen the
usual quantity of flesh meat. The body ought to
be kept gently open by a diet consisting chiefly of
cooling laxative vegetables, and by drinking butter-
milk, whey, sweetened with honey or the like. The
patient ought to be kept cheerful, and should take
as much exercise as he can easily bear.
When the bottom and sides of an ulcer seem hard
and callous, they may be sprinkled twice a-day with
a little red precipitate of mercury, and afterwards
dressed with the yellow basilicum ointment. Some-
times it will be necessary to have the edges of the
ulcer scarified with the lancet.
Lime-water has frequently been known to have
very happy effects in the cure of obstinate ulcers.
It may be used in the same manner as directed for
the stone and gravel.
OF DISLOCATIONS.
WHEN a bone is moved out of its place or articu-
lation, so as to impede its proper functions, it is
said to be luxated or dislocated. As this oftens hap-
pens to persons in situations where no medical as-
sistance can be obtained, by which means, limbs,
and even lives, are frequently lost, we shall endea-
vour to point out the method of reducing the most
common luxations, and those which require imme-
diate assistance. Any person of common sense and
resolution, who is present when a dislocation hap-
pens, may often be of more service to the patient,
than the most expert surgeon can, after the swell-
ing and inflammation have come on. When these
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
305
are present, it is difficult to know the state of the
joint, and dangerous to attempt a reduction; and
by waiting till they are gone off, the muscles be-
come so relaxed, and the cavity filled up, that the
bone can never afterwards be retained in its place.
A recent dislocation may generally be reduced by
extension alone, which must always be greater or
less according to the strength of the muscles which
move the joint; the age, robustness, and other cir-
been out of its place for any considerable time, and
cumstances, of the patient. When the bone has
a swelling or inflammation has come on, it will be
necessary to bleed the patient, and, after fomenting
the part, to apply soft poultices with vinegar to it,
for some time, before the reduction is attempted.
All that is necessary after the reduction, is to ap-
ply cloths dipt in vinegar or camphorated spirits of
of wine, to the part, and to keep it perfectly easy.
Many bad consequences proceed from the neglect
of this rule. A dislocation seldom happens without
the tendons and ligaments of the joint being stretch-
ed, and sometimes torn. When these are kept easy
till they recover their strength and tone, all goes
on very well; but, if the injury be increased by too
frequent an exertion of the parts, no wonder if they
be found weak and diseased ever after.
DISLOCATION OF THE JAW.
THE lower jaw may be luxated by yawning, blows,
falls, chewing hard substances, or the like. It is
easily known from the patient's being unable to
shut his mouth, or to eat any thing, as the teeth of
the under jaw do not correspond with those of the
upper; besides, the chin either hangs down or is
thrown towards one side, and the patient is neither
able to speak distinctly, nor to swallow without con-
siderable difficulty.
179
U
306
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
The usual method of reducing a dislocated jaw, is
to set the patient upon a low stool, so that an assist-
ant may hold the head firm by pressing it against
his breast. The operator is then to thrust his
thumbs, being first wrapt up with linen cloths, that
they may not slip, as far back in the patient's mouth
as he can, while his fingers are applied to the jaw
externally. After he has got firm hold of the jaw,
he is to press it strongly downwards and backwards,
by which means the elapsed heads of the jaw may
be easily pushed into their former cavities.
DISLOCATION OF THE SHOULDER.
THE upper bone of the arm may be dislocated
in various directions; it happens, however, most
frequently downwards. From the nature of its ar-
ticulation, as well as from its exposure to external
injuries, this bone is the most subject to dislocation
of any in the body. A dislocation of the humerus
may be known by a depression or cavity on the
top of the shoulder, and an inability to move the
arm. When the dislocation is downward or for-
ward, the arm is elongated, and a ball or lump is
perceived under the arm-pit; but when it is back-
ward, there appears a protuberance behind the
shoulder, and the arm is thrown forward towards the
breast.
The usual method of reducing dislocations of the
shoulder, is to seat the patient upon a low stool, and
to cause an assistant to hold his body so that it may
not give way to the extension, while another lays
hold of the arm a little above the elbow, and gra-
dually extends it. The operator then puts a nap-
kin under the patient's arm, and causes it to be tied
behind his own neck; by this, while a sufficient ex-
tension is made, he lifts up the head of the bone,
and with his hands directs it into its proper place.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
307
DISLOCATION OF THE ELBOW.
THE bones of the fore-arm may be dislocated in any
direction. When this is the case, a protuberance
may be observed on that side of the arm towards
which the bone is pushed, from which, and the pa-
tient's inability to bend his arm, a dislocation of
this joint may easily be known.
Two assistants are generally necessary for reduc-
ing a dislocation of the elbow; one of them must
lay hold of the arm above, and the other below, the
joint, and make a pretty long extension, while the
operator returns the bones into their proper place.
Afterwards the arm must be bent, and suspended
for some time with a sling about the neck.
Luxations of the wrist and finger are to be reduc-
ed in the same manner as those of the elbow, viz.
by making an extension in different directions, and
thrusting the head of the bone into its place.
OF BROKEN BONES, &c.
WHEN a large bone is broken, the patient's diet
ought in all respects to be the same as in an inflam-
matory fever. He should likewise be kept quiet
and cool, and his body open by emollient clysters;
or, if these cannot be conveniently administered, by
food that is of an opening quality; as stewed prunes,
apples boiled in milk, boiled spinnage, and the like.
It ought, however, to be here remarked that persons
who have been accustomed to live high, are not all
of a sudden to be reduced to a very low diet. This
might have fatal effects. There is often a necessity
for indulging even bad habits, in some measure,
where the nature of the disease might require a dif-
ferent treatment.
It will generally be necessary to bleed the patient,
immediately after a fracture; especially if he be
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
young, of a full habit, or has at the same time re-
ceived any bruise or contusion. This operation
should not only be performed soon after the acci-
dent happens, but, if the patient be very feverish,
it may be repeated next day. When several of
the ribs are broken, bleeding is peculiarly neces-
sary.
If any of the large bones which support the body
are broken, the patient must keep his bed for sever-
al weeks. It is by no means necessary, however,
that he should lie all that time, as is customary,
upon his back. This situation sinks the spirits,
galls and frets the patient's skin, and renders him
very uneasy.
After the second week he may be
gently raised up, and may sit several hours, sup-
ported by a bed-chair, or the like, which will great-
ly relieve him. Great care, however, must be tak-
en, in raising him up and laying him down, that he
make no exertion himself; otherwise the action of
the muscles may pull the bone out of its place.
It is of great importance to keep the patient dry
and clean, while in this situation. By neglecting
this, he is often so galled and excoriated, that he is
forced to keep shifting places for ease. I have
known a fractured thigh-bone, after it has been kept
straight for above a fortnight, displaced by this
means, and continue bent for life, in spite of all
that could be done.
It has been customary, when a bone was broken,
to keep the limb for five or six weeks continually
upon the stretch. But this is in a bad posture. It
is both uneasy to the patient, and unfavourable to
the cure. The best situation is to keep the joint a
little bent. This is the posture into which every
animal puts its limbs when it goes to rest, and in
which fewest muscles are upon the stretch. It is
easily effected, by either laying the patient upon
his side, or making the bed so as to favour this posi-
tion of the limb.
BUOUAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
309
Bone-setters ought carefully to examine whether
the bone be not shattered or broken in several pieces.
In this case, it will sometimes be necessary to have
the limb immediately taken off, otherwise a gan-
grene or mortification may ensue. The horror which
attends the very idea of an amputation often occa-
sions its being delayed in such cases till too late.
I have known this principle operate strongly, that
a limb, where the bones were shattered into more
than twenty pieces, was not amputated before the
third day after the accident, when the gangrene
had proceeded so far as to render the operation use-
less.
When a fracture is accompanied with a wound, it
must be dressed in all respects as a wound.
All that art can do towards the cure of a broken
bone, is to lay it perfectly straight, and to keep it
quite easy. All tight bandages do hurt. They had
much better be omitted altogether. A great many
of the bad consequences which succeed to fractured
bones, are owing to tight bandages. This is one of
the ways in which the excess of art, or rather the
abuse of it, does more mischief than would be oc-
casioned by the want of it. Some of the most sud-
den cures of broken bones which were ever known,
happened where no bandages were applied at all.
Some method, however, must be taken to keep the
member steady; but this may be done many ways,
without bracing it with a tight bandage.
The best method of retention is by two or more
splints made of leather or pasteboard. These, if
moistened before they are applied, soon assume the
shape of the included member, and are sufficient by
the assistance of a very slight bandage, for all the
purposes of retention. The bandage which we would
recommend is that made with twelve or eighteen
tails. It is much easier applied and taken off than
rollers, and answers all the purposes of retention
equally well. The splints should always be as long
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BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
as the limb, with holes cut for the ancles, when the
fracture is in the leg.
In fractures of the ribs, where a bandage cannot
be properly used, an adhesive plaster may be ap-
plied over the part. The patient in this case ought
to keep himself quite easy, avoiding every thing that
occasions sneezing, laughing, coughing, or the like.
He ought to keep his body in a straight posture,
and should take care that his stomach be constant-
ly distended, by taking frequently some light food,
and drinking frequently of weak watery liquors.
The most proper external application for a frac-
ture is oxycrate, or a mixture of vinegar and water.
The bandages should be wet with this at every dress-
ing.
OF STRAINS.
STRAINS are often attended with worse consequences
than broken bones. The reason is obvious; they
are generally neglected. When a bone is broken,
the patient is obliged to keep the member easy,
because he cannot make use of it; but when a joint
is only strained, the person, finding he can still
make a shift to move it, is sorry to lose his time
for so trifling an ailment. In this way he deceives
himself, and converts into an incurable malady,
what might have been removed by only keeping the
part easy for a few days.
Country people generally immerse a strained
limb in cold water. This is very proper, provided
it be done immediately, and not kept in too long.
But the custom of keeping the part immersed in cold
water for a long time is certainly dangerous.
It
relaxes, instead of bracing the part, and is more like-
ly to produce a disease than cure one.
Wrapping a garter, or some other bandage, pret-
ty tight about the strained part, is likewise of use.
It helps to restore the proper tone of the vessels,
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
311
and prevents the action of the parts from increasing
the disease. It should not, however, be applied too
tight. I have frequently known bleeding near the
affected part have a very good effect; but what we
would recommend above all, is ease. It is more to
be depended on than any medicine, and seldom fails
to remove the complaint.
OF RUPTURES.'
CHILDREN and old people are most liable to this
disease. In the former, it is generally occasioned
by excessive crying, coughing, vomiting, or the
like. In the latter, it is commonly the effect of blows
or violent exertions of the strength, as leaping, car-
rying great weights, &c. In both, a relaxed habit,
indolence, and an oily or very moist diet, dispose
the body to this disease.
A rupture sometimes proves fatal before it is dis-
covered. Whenever sickness, vomiting, and obsti-
nate costiveness, give reason to suspect an obstruc-
tion of the bowels, all those places where ruptures
usually happen, ought carefully to be examined.
The protrusion of a very small part of the gut will
occasion all these symptoms; and, if not returned
in due time, will prove fatal. On the first appear-
ance of a rupture in an infant, it ought to be laid
upon its back, with its head very low. While in
this posture, if the gut does not return of itself, it
may easily be put up by gentle pressure. After it
is returned, a piece of sticking-plaster may be ap-
plied over the part, and a proper truss or bandage
must be constantly worn for a considerable time.
The method of making and applying rupture ban-
dages for children is pretty well known. The child
must, as far as possible, be kept from crying, and
from all violent exertions, till the rupture is quite
healed.
In adults, when the gut has been forced down
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
with great violence, or happens from any cause to
be inflamed, there is often great difficulty in return-
ing it, and sometimes the thing is quite impractica-
ble without an operation; a description of which is
foreign to our purpose. As I have been fortunate
enough, however, always to succeed in my attempts
to return the gut, without having recourse to any
other means than what are in the power of every
inan, I shall briefly mention the method which I
generally pursue.
After the patient has been bled, he must be laid
upon his back, with his head very low, and his
breech raised high with pillows. In this situation,
flannel cloths wrung out of a decoction of mallows
and camomile flowers, or if these are not at hand,
of warm water, must be applied for a considerable
time. A clyster made of this decoction, with a large
spoonful of butter, and an ounce or two of salt, may
afterwards be thrown up. If these should not prove
successful, recourse must be had to pressure. If
the tumour be very hard, considerable force will be
necessary; but it is not force alone which succeeds
here. The operator, at the same time that he makes
a pressure with the palms of his hands, must with
his finger artfully conduct the gut in by the same
aperture through which it came out. The manner
of doing this can be much easier conceived than des-
cribed. Should these endeavours prove ineffectual,
clysters of the smoke of tobacco may be tried.
These have been often know to succeed where every
other method failed.
There is reason to believe that, by persisting in
the use of these, and such other means as the cir-
cumstances of the case may suggest, most hernias
might be reduced without an operation. Cutting
for the hernia is a nice and difficult matter. I would
therefore advise surgeons to try every method of re-
turning the gut, before they have recourse to the
knife, I have once and again succeeded by perse-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
313
vering in my endeavours, after eminent surgeons
had declared the reduction of the gut impracticable,
without an operation.
OF SUBSTANCES STOPT BETWEEN THE
MOUTH AND STOMACH,
THOUGH accidents of this kind are very common
and extremely dangerous, yet they are generally
the effect of carelessness. Children should be taught
to chew their food well, and to put nothing into their
mouths which it would be dangerous for them to
swallow. But children are not the only persons.
guilty of this piece of imprudence. I know many
adults who put pins, nails, and other sharp-pointed
substances, in their mouths upon every occasion,
and some who even sleep with the former there all
night. This conduct is exceedingly injudicious, as
a fit of coughing, or twenty other accidents, may
force over the substance, before the person is aware.
When any substance is detained in the gullet,
there are two ways of removing it, viz. either by ex-
tracting it or pushing it down. The safest and more
certain way is to extract it; but this is not always
the easiest; it may therefore be more eligible some-
times to thrust it down, especially when the obstructe
ing body is of such a nature that there is no danger
of its reception into the stomach. The substances
which may be pushed down without danger are all
common nourishing ones, as bread, flesh, fruits, and
the like. All indigestible bodies, as cork, wood,
bones, and pieces of metal, and such like, ought, if
possible, to be extracted, especially if those bodies
be sharp-pointed, as pins, needles, fish-bones, bits
of glass, &c.
If the fingers or pincers cannot be applied, crot-
chets a kind of hooks, must be employed. These may
be made at once, by bending a piece of pretty strong
iron wire at one end. It must be introduced in the
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
flat way; and for the better conducting it, there
should likewise be a curve or bending at the end it
is held by, to serve as a kind of handle to it; which
has this farther use, that it may be secured by a
string tied to it; a circumstance not to be omitted
in any instrument employed on such occasions, to
avoid such ill accidents as have sometimes ensued
from these instruments slipping out of the opera-
tor's hand. After the crotchet has passed below the
substance that obstructs the passage, it is drawn up
again, and hooks up the body along with it. The
crotchet is also very convenient, when a substance
somewhat flexible, as a pin, or fish-bone, sticks
across the gullet; the hook, in such cases, seizing
them about their middle part, crooks and thus dis-
engages them, or, if they are very brittle substances,
serves to break them.
When the obstructing bodies are small, and only
stop up a part of the passage, and which may either
easily elude the hook, or straighten it by their resist-
ance, a kind of rings, made either of wire, wool, or
silk, may be used. A piece of fine wire of a proper
length may be bent into a circle, about the middle,
of an inch diameter, and the long unbent sides
brought parallel, and near each other; these are to
be held in the hand, and the circular part or ring
introduced into the gullet, in order to be conducted
about the obstructing body, and so to extract it.
More flexible rings may be made of wool, thread,
silk, or small pack-thread, which may be waxed for
their greater strength and consistence. One of these
is to be tied fast to a handle of iron wire, whalebone,
or any kind of flexible wood, and by this means in-
troduced in order to surround the obstructing sub-
stance, and to draw it out. Several of these rings
passed through one another may be used, the more
certainly to lay hold of the obstructing body, which
may be involved by one, if another should miss
it. These rings have one advantage, which is that,
EUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
815
when the substance to be extracted is once laid
hold of, it may then, by turning the handle, be re-
tained so strongly in the ring thus twisted, as to be
moved every way, which must in many cases be a
considerable advantage.
Another material employed on these unhappy
occasions is the sponge. Its property of swelling
considerably on being wet, is the principal founda-
tion of its usefulness here. If any substance is stop-
ped in the gullet, but without filling up the whole
passage, a bit of sponge may be introduced into that
part which is unstopped, and beyond the substance.
The sponge soon dilates, and grows larger in this
moist situation; and indeed the enlargement of it
may be forwarded by making the patient swallow a
few drops of water. Afterwards it is to be drawn
back by the handle to which it is fastened; and as
it is now too large to return through the small cavi-
ty by which it was conveyed in, it draws out the ob-
structing body along with it.
The compressibility of sponge is another founda-
tion of its usefulness in such cases. A pretty large
piece of sponge may be compressed or squeezed in-
to a small size, by winding string or tape closely
about it, which may be easily unwound and with-
drawn, after the sponge has been introduced.
bit of sponge may likewise be compressed by a piece
of whalebone split at one end; but this can hardly
be introduced in such a manner as not to hurt the
patient.
A
I have often known pins and other sharp bodies,
which had stuck in the throat, brought up by caus-
ing the person to swallow a bit of tough meat tied
to a thread, and drawing it quickly up again. This
is safer than swallowing sponge, and will often an-
swer the purpose equally well.
When all these methods prove unsuccessful, there
remains one more, which is, to make the patient vo-
mit; but this can scarcely be of any service, unless,
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
when such obstructing bodies are simply engaged
in, and not hooked or stuck into the sides of, the gul-
let, as in this case vomiting might sometimes occa-
sion farther mischief. If the patient can swallow,
vomiting may be excited, by taking half a drachm
or two scruples of ipecacuanha in powder made in-
to a draught. If he is not able to swallow, an at-
tempt may be made to excite vomiting, by tickling
his throat with a feather; and, if that should not
succeed, a clyster of tobacco may be administered.
It is made by boiling an ounce of tobacco in a suf-
ficient quantity of water. This has often been found
to succeed when other attempts to excite vomiting
bad failed.
When the obstructing body is of such a nature
that it may with safety be pushed downwards, this
may be attempted by means of a wax candle, oiled,
and a little heated, so as to make it flexible; or a
piece of whalebone, wire, or flexible wood, with a
sponge fastened to the end.
Should it be impossible to extract even those bo-
dies which it is dangerous to admit into the stomach,
we must then prefer the least of two evils, and ra-
ther run the hazard of pushing them down, than
suffer the patient to perish in a few minutes; and
we ought to scruple this resolution the less, as a
great many instances have happened, where the
swallowing of such hurtful and indigestible sub-
stances has been followed by no disorder.
When it is manifest that all endeavours either to
extract or push down the substance must prove in-
effectual, they should be discontinued: because the
inflammation occasioned by persisting in them,
might be as dangerous as the obstruction itself.
Some have died in consequence of the inflammation,
even after the body which caused the obstruction
had been entirely removed.
While the means recommended above are made use
of, the patient should swallow, or, if he cannot, he
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
317
should frequently receive by injection, through
a crooked tube or pipe that may reach down the
gullet, some emollient liquor, as warm milk and
water, barley-water, or a decoction of mallows. In-
jections of this kind not only soften and soothe the
irritated parts, but, when thrown in with force, are
often more successful in loosening the obstruction,
than all attempts with instruments.
When, after all our endeavours, we are obliged to
leave the obstructing body in the part, the patient
must be treated as if he had an inflammatory dis-
ease. He should be bled, kept upon a low diet, and
have his whole neck surrounded with emollient
poultices. The like treatment must also be used,
if there be any reason to suspect an inflammation
of the passages, though the obstructing body be re-
moved.
A proper degree of agitation has sometimes loosen-
ed the inhering body more effectually than instru-
ments. Thus a blow on the back has often forced
up the substance which stuck in the gullet; but
this is still more proper and efficacious when the
substance gets into the wind-pipe. In this case,
vomiting and sneezing are likewise to be excited.
Pins, which stuck in the gullet, have been frequent-
ly discharged by riding on horseback, or in a car-
riage.
When any indigestible substance has been forced
down into the stomach, the patient should use a
very mild, smooth diet, consisting chiefly of fruits
and farinaceous substances, as puddings, pottage,
and soups. He should avoid all heating and irrit-
ating things, as wine, punch, pepper, and such like;
and his drink should be milk and water, barley-
water, or whey.
When the gullet is so strongly and fully closed,
that the patient can receive no food by the mouth,
he must be nourished by clysters of soup, jelly, and
the like.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
When the patient is in danger of being immedi-
ately suffocated, and all hope of freeing the pas-
sage is vanished, so that death seems at hand, if re-
spiration be not restored, the operation of bronchoto-
my, or opening the wind-pipe, must be directly
performed. As this operation is neither difficult to
an expert surgeon, not very painful to the patient,
and is often the only method which can be taken to
preserve life in these emergencies, we thought
proper to mention it, though it should only be at-
tempted by persons skilled in surgery.
OF DROWNED PERSONS.
IN attempting to recover persons apparently drown-
ed, the principal intention to be pursued is, to re-
store the natural warmth, upon which all the vital
functions depend; and to excite these functions
by the application of stimulants, not only to the
skin, but likewise to the lungs, intestines, &c.
Though cold was by no means the cause of the
person's death, yet it will prove an effectual obstacle
to his recovery. For this reason, after stripping
him of his wet clothes, his body must be strongly
rubbed for a considerable time with coarse linen
cloths as warm as they can be made; and, as soon
as a well-heated bed can be got ready, he may be
laid in it, and the rubbing should be continued.
Warm cloths ought likewise to be frequently applied
to the stomach and bowels; and hot bricks, or bot-
tles of warm water, to the soles of the feet, and to
the palms of his hands.
Strong volatile spirits should be frequently ap-
plied to the nose; and the spine of the back and
pit of the stomach may be rubbed with warm brandy,
or spirits of wine. The temples ought also to be
chafed with volatile spirits; and stimulating pow-
ders, as that of tobacco or marjoram, may be blown
up the nostrils.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
319
To renew the breathing, a strong person may
blow his own breath into the patient's mouth, with
all the force he can, holding his nostrils at the same
time. When it can be perceived by the rising of the
chest or belly, that the lungs are filled with air, the
person ought to desist from blowing, and should
press the breast and belly so as to expel the air
again; and this operation may be repeated for some
time, alternately inflating and depressing the lungs,
so as to imitate natural respiration.
If the lungs cannot be inflated in this manner, it
may be attempted by blowing through one of the
nostrils, and at the same time keeping the other
closed. Dr. Monro, for this purpose, recommends
a wooden pipe fitted at one end for filling the nos-
tril, and the other for being blown into by a person's
mouth, or for receiving the pipe of a pair of bellows,
to be employed for the purpose, if necessary.
When air cannot be forced into the chest by the
mouth or nose, it may be necessary to make an
opening into the windpipe for this purpose. It is
needless, however, to spend time in describing this
operation, as it should not be attempted unless by
persons skilled in surgery.
To stimulate the intestines, the fumes of tobacco
may be thrown up in form of a clyster. There are
various pieces of apparatus contrived for this pur-
pose, which may be used when at hand; but where
these cannot be obtained, the business may be done
by a common tobacco pipe. The bowl of the pipe
must be filled with tobacco well kindled, and, after
the small tube has been introduced into the funda-
ment, the smoke may be forced up by blowing
through a piece of paper full of holes, wrapped
round the mouth of the pipe. Should it be found
impracticable to throw up the smoke of tobacco,
clysters of warm water and a little salt, and some
wine or spirits, may be frequently administered.
Prepare a warm bath, into which the person should
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BUCHAN S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
be put, if the above endeavours prove ineffectual.
Where there are no conveniences for using the warm
bath, the body may be covered with warm salt, sand,
ashes, grains, or such like.
Till the patient shows some signs of life, and is
able to swallow, it would be useless and even dan-
gerous to pour liquors into his mouth.
His lips,
however, and tongue may be frequently wet with a
feather dipped in warm brandy or other strong spi-
rits; and, as soon as he has recovered the power of
swallowing, a little warm wine, or some other cor-
dial, ought every now and then to be administered.
Some recommend a vomit after the patient is a
little reanimated; but if he can be made to puke
without the sickening draught, it will be more safe;
this may generally be done by tickling the throat
and fauces with an oiled feather, or some other soft
substance, which will not injure the parts. Tissot,
in this case, recommends the oxymel of squills, a
table-spoonful of which, diluted with water, may be
given every quarter of an hour, till the patient has
taken five or six doses. Where that medicine is not
at hand, a strong infusion of sage, camomile flowers,
or carduus benedictus, sweetened with honey, or
some warm water, with the addition of a little salt,
may, he says, supply its place. The Doctor does
not intend that any of these things should be given
in such quantity as to occasion vomiting. He
thinks emetics in this situation are not expedient.
By no means discontinue assistance as soon as
the patients discover some tokens of life, since they
sometimes expire after these first appearances of re-
covering. The warm and stimulating applications
are still to be continued, and small quantities of
some cordial liquor ought frequently to be admin-
istered.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
321
EFFECTS OF EXTREME COLD.
WHEN cold is extremely severe, and a person is ex-
posed to it for a long time, it proves mortal, in con-
sequence of its stopping the circulation in the ex-
tremities, and forcing too great a proportion of blood
towards the brain: so that the patient dies of a kind
of apoplexy, preceded by great sleepiness. The
traveller, in this situation, who finds himself begin
to grow drowsy, should redouble his efforts to ex-
tricate himself from the imminent danger he is ex-
posed to. This sleep, which he might consider as
some alleviation of his sufferings, would, if indulg-
ed, prove his last.
Such violent effects of cold are happily not very
common in this country; it frequently happens,
however, that the hands or feet of travellers are so
benumbed or frozen, as to be in danger of a mortifi-
cation, if proper means are not used to prevent it.
The chief danger in this situation arises from the
sudden application of heat. It is very common,
when the hands or feet are pinched with cold, to
hold them to the fire; yet reason and observation
show that this is a most dangerous and imprudent
practice.
When the hands or feet are greatly benumbed
with cold, they ought either be immersed in cold
water, or rubbed with snow, till they recover their
natural warmth and sensibility; after which the per-
son may be removed into an apartment a little
warmer, and may drink some cups of tea, or an in-
fusion of elder-flowers sweetened with honey. Every
person must have observed, when his hands were
even but slightly affected with cold, that the best
way to warm them was by washing them in cold
water, and continuing to rub them well for some
time.
When a person has been so long exposed to the
cold, that all appearances of life are gouc, it will be
179
X
322
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
necessary to rub him all over with snow or cold wa-
ter; or what will answer better, if it can be obtain-
ed, to immerse him in a bath of the very coldest
water. There is the greatest encouragement to per-
sist in the use of these means, as we are assured that
persons who had remained in the snow, or had been
exposed to the freezing air, during five or six suc-
cessive days, and who had discovered no marks of
life for several hours, have nevertheless been re-
vived.
OF FAINTING FITS, AND OTHER CASES
WHICH REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSIST-
ANCE.
STRONG and healthy persons, who abound with
blood, are often seized with sudden fainting fits, af-
ter violent exercise, drinking freely of warm or
strong liquors, exposure to great heat, intense ap-
plication to study, or the like.
In such cases the patient should be made to smell
to some vinegar. His temples, forehead, and wrists,
ought at the same time to be bathed with vinegar,
mixed with an equal quantity of warm water; and
two or three spoonsful of vinegar, with four or five
times as much water, may, if he can swallow, be
poured into his mouth.
If the fainting proves obstinate, or degenerates
into a syncope, that is, an abolition of feeling and un-
derstanding, the patient must be bled. After the
bleeding, a clyster will be proper, and then he
should be kept easy and quiet, only giving him,
every half hour, a oup or two of an infusion of any
mild vegetable, with the addition of a little sugar
and vinegar.
When swoonings, which arise from this cause, oc-
cur frequently in the same person, he should, in or-
der to escape them, confine himself to a light diet,
consisting chiefly of bread, fruits, and other vegeta-
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
323
bles. His drink ought to be water or small beer,
and he should sleep but moderately, and take much
exercise.
But fainting fits proceed much oftener from a de-
fect, than an excess, of blood. Hence they are ready
to happen after great evacuations of any kind, ob-
stinate watching, want of appetite, or such like. In
these an almost directly opposite course to that men-
tioned above must be pursued.
The patient should be laid in bed with his head
low, and being covered, should have his legs, thighs,
arms, and his whole body, rubbed strongly with hot
flannels. Hungary-water, volatile salts, or strong
smelling herbs, as rue, mint, or rosemary, may be
held to his nose. His mouth may be wet with a
little rum or brandy; and, if he can swallow, some
hot wine, mixed with sugar and cinnamon, which
is an excellent cordial, may be poured into his
mouth. A compress of flannel, dipt in hot wine or
brandy, must be applied to the pit of his stomach ;
and warm bricks, or bottles filled with hot water,
laid to his feet.
As soon as the patient is recovered a little, he
should take some strong soup or broth, or a little
bread or biscuit soaked in hot spiced wine. To pre-
vent the return of the fits, he ought to take often,
but in small quantities, some light yet strengthening
nourishment, as panado made with soup instead of
water, new-laid eggs lightly poached, chocolate,
light roast meats, jellies, and such like.
Those fainting fits which are the effect of bleed-
ing, or of the violent operation of purges, belong
to this class. Such as happen after artificial bleed-
ing are seldom dangerous, generally terminating
as soon as the patient is laid upon the bed; in-
deed, persons subject to this kind, should always be
bled lying, in order to prevent it. Should the
fainting, however, continue longer than usual, vola-
tile spirits may be held to the nose, and rubbed on
the temples. &c.
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
When fainting is the effect of too strong or acrid
purges or vomits, the patient must be treated in all
respects as if he had taken poison. He should be
made to drink plentifully of milk, warm water and
oil, barley-water, or such like; emollient clysters
will likewise be proper; and the patient's strength
should afterwards be recruited, by giving him gen-
erous cordials and anodyne medicines.
Faintings are often caused by indigestion. This
may either proceed from the quantity or quality of
the food. When the former of these is the cause,
the cure will be best performed by vomiting, which
may be promoted by causing the patient to drink
a weak infusion of camomile-flowers, carduus bene-
dictus, or the like. When the disorder proceeds
from the nature of the food, the patient, as in the
case of weakness, must be revived by strong
smells, &c; after which he should be made to
swallow a large quantity of light, warm fluid, which
may serve to drown, as it were, the offending
matter, to soften its acrimony, and either to effect
a discharge of it by vomiting, or force it down into
the intestines.
Even disagreeable smells will sometimes occasion
swoonings, especially in people of weak nerves.
When this happens, the patient should be carried
into the open air, have stimulating things held to
his nose, and those substances which are disagreea-
ble to him ought immediately to be removed. But
we have already taken notice of swoonings which
arise from nervous disorders, and shall therefore
say no more upon that head.
Fainting fits often happen in the progress of dis-
eases. In the beginning of putrid diseases, they
generally denote an oppression of the stomach, or
a mass of corrupted huinours, and they cease after
evacuations either by vomit or stool. When they
occur in the beginning of malignant fevers, they in-
dicate great danger. In each of these cases, vine-
:
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
gar, used both externally and internally, is the best
remedy during the paroxysm, and plenty of lemon-
juice and water after it. Swoonings which happen
in diseases accompanied with great evacuations,
must be treated like those which are owing to weak-
ness, and the evacuations ought to be restrained.
When they happen towards the end of a violent fit
of an intermitting fever, or at that of each exacer-
bation of a continual fever, the patient must be sup-
ported by small draughts of wine and water.
Delicate and hysteric women are very liable to
swooning or fainting fits, after delivery. These
might be often prevented by generous cordials, and
the admission of fresh air. When they are occa-
sioned by excessive flooding, it ought by all means
to be restrained. They are generally the effect of
mere weakness or exhaustion. Dr. Engleman re-
lates the case of a woman in childbed, who, after
being happily delivered, suddenly fainted, and lay
upwards of a quarter of an hour apparently dead.
A physician was sent for; her own maid, in the
meanwhile, being out of patience at his delay, at-
tempted to assist her herself, and extended herself
upon her mistress, applied her mouth to her's, blew
in as much breath, as she possibly could, and in a
very short time the exhausted woman awaked, as
out of a profound sleep, when, proper things being
given her, she soon recovered.
The maid being asked how she came to think of
this expedient, said, she had seen it practised at
Altenberg, by midwives, upon children, with the
happiest effect.
We mention this case chiefly that other midwives
may be induced to follow so laudable an example.
Many children are born without any signs of life
and others expire soon after the birth, who might
without all doubt, by proper care, be restored to
life.
From whatever cause fainting fits proceed, fresh
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
air is always of the greatest importance to the pa-
tient. By not attending to this circumstance, peo-
ple often kill their friends, while they are endea-
vouring to save them. Alarmed at the patient's sit-
uation, they call in a crowd of people to his assist-
ance, or perhaps to witness his exit, whose breath-
ing exhausts the air and increases the danger. There
is not the least doubt but this practice, which is ve-
ry common among the lower sort of people, often
proves fatal, especially to the delicate, and such
persons as fall into fainting fits from mere exhaus-
tion, or the violence of some disease. No more
persons ought ever to be admitted into the room
where a patient lies in a swoon, than are absolutely
necessary for his assistance, and the windows of the
apartment should always be open, at least as far as
to admit a stream of fresh air.
Persons subject to frequent swoonings, or faint-
ing fits, should neglect no means to remove the
cause of them, as their consequences are always in-
jurious to the constitution. Every fainting fit
leaves the person in dejection and weakness; the
secretions are thereby suspended; the humours dis-
posed to stagnation; coagulations and obstructions
are formed; and, if the motion of the blood be to-
tally intercepted, or very considerably checked,
polypuses are sometimes formed in the heart or lar-
ger vessels. The only kinds of swooning not to be
dreaded, are those which sometimes mark the crisis
in fevers; yet even these ought, as soon as possi-
ble, to be removed.
OF SUFFOCATION AND STRANGLING.
THESE may sometimes proceed from an infraction
of the lungs, produced by viscid, clammy, humours,
or a spasmodic affection of the nerves of that organ.
Persons who feed grossly, and abound in rich blood,
are very liable to suffocating fits from the former of
BUCHIAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
327
these causes. Such ought, as soon as they are at-
tacked, to be bled, to receive an emollient clyster,
and to take frequently a cup of diluting liquor with
a little nitre in it. They should likewise receive the
steam of hot vinegar into their lungs by breathing.
Nervous and asthmatic persons are most subject
to spasmodic affections of the lungs. In this case,
the patient's legs should be immersed in warm
water, and the steam of vinegar applied as above.
Warm diluting liquors should likewise be drunk;
to a cup of which a teaspoonful of the paregoric
elixir, may occasionally be added. Burnt paper,
feathers, or leather, may be held to the patient's
nose, and fresh air should be freely admitted to
him.
Infants are often suffocated by the carelessness or
inattention of their nurses. An infant, when in bed,
should always be laid so that it cannot tumble down
with its head under the bed-clothes; and when in a
cradle, ought never to be covered. A small degree
of attention to these twofsimple rules would save the
lives of many infants, and prevent others from being
rendered weak and sickly all their days by the in-
juries done to their lungs.
OF COLD-BATHING, WITH
REMARKS
ON THE CASES IN WHICH THE WARM
BATH IS MORE ADVISABLE.
IMMERSION in cold water is a custom which lays
claim to the most remote antiquity. Indeed it must
have been coeval with man himself. The necessity
of water for the purpose of cleanliness, and the
pleasure arising from its application to the body in
hot countries, must very early have recommended
it to the human species. Even the example of other
animals was sufficient to give the hint to man. By
instinct, many of them are led to apply cold water
in this manner; and some, when deprived of its use,
328
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
have been known to languish and even to die. But
whether the practice of cold-bathing arose from ne-
cessity, reasoning, or imitation, is an inquiry of
little consequence; our business is to point out the
advantages which may be derived from it, when
judiciously resorted to, and the danger attending its
improper use.
People are apt to imagine that the simple element
of water can do no hurt, and that they may plunge
into it at any time with impunity. In this, however,
they are much mistaken. I have known apoplexies
occasioned by going into the cold bath,-fevers ex-
cited by staying long in it. There are also instances.
of maladies being so much aggravated by its con-
stant use, as to be rendered incurable.
Absurd prejudices against cold-bathing are no
less blameable and injurious. As a preservative of
health, its regular use cannot be too much inculcat-
ed. It strengthens the lax fibres of children; and,
in all periods of life, gives tone and vigour to the
body, and enables the vital organs fully to perform
their functions. It steels the frame against cold,
damp, and changeable weather, and is the best pre-
ventive of diseases arising from debility, a relaxed
skin, or from obstructed or excessive perspiration.
Remaining too long in the water, however, is
dangerous; and, instead of strengthening, is apt to
relax, the system, and to chill the blood, cramp the
muscles, and occasion an excessive flow of humours
towards the head. A single plunge is sufficient;
though swimmers, accustomed to the water may con-
tinue their favourite amusement for five or six minu-
tes, and, if in the sea, considerably longer, without
injury.
The morning is in every respect the best time for
persons in health using this exercise, and it never
should be used immediately after dinner, after much
fatigue, or when over-heated. At the same time, the
body ought to have a gentle glow or temperate
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
329
warmth, by a little exercise, before bathing, and after
it is over, and the body rubbed dry instantly on
coming out of the water: half an hour's exercise
will be essentially serviceable.
With respect to the cold bath used as a remedy in
disease, much will depend upon the nature and state
of the disease; if it be a case of delicacy and danger,
this remedy should not be resorted to without the
best advice. In less essential situations, the follow-
ing rules and observations may be of service.
It is always important to consider whether the
patient have strength to bear the shock; for although
it is true that the bath is an excellent bracer, in all
cases of relaxation, languor, muscular or nervous
weakness, yet it must ever be understood with a
proviso that there remain sufficient stamina to pro-
duce a due re-action of the heart and arteries, on
which all the salutary effects of cold bathing depend.
If the immersion be followed by an agreeable glow,
and sense of alacrity, it is a sure sign that it agrees
with the constitution.
In scrofula, the cold bath, and particularly in the
sea, has been found of the greatest service, especially
if the sea-water be taken also inwardly. It will then
act both as a tonic or bracer, and a detergent or puri
fier; and certainly a regular course of sea-bathing,
with the internal use of salt water, with good air,
exercise, and a light nourishing diet, are the best
means of checking the progress of the evil, and
counteracting its morbid effects. But this is only
with respect to the external symptoms of the malady,
and before it has arrived at a certain pitch, or re-
duced the patient to extreme weakness. In this
case, and where any external effects of the disorder
are present, salt-water bathing or drinking would be
extremely injurious.
In cutaneous diseases in general, the cold bath
should not be ventured upon without medical advice.
There are many of them, and many stages, where it
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
would repel the eruption, and perhaps drive its seeds
into some vital part, in spite of nature's efforts to
throw them off. In such cases, the warm bath must
have the decided preference. Wherever sea-bathing
is used, in cases where blotches or pimples appear
externally, the sea-water should be taken at the same
time as a moderate and cooling aperient, to carry off
impurities. Half a pint, taken in the morning, im-
mediately on coming out of the sea, and as much
half an hour after, will generally be sufficient; but,
if necessary, the dose may be increased without in-
convenience.
In diseases of the skin and habit, sea-water, from
the gently stimulating, detergent, and healing pro-
perties of its saline impregnation, is much preferable
to river-water. It cleanses sores, and promotes the
process of granulation, and has been often known
to discuss swellings that have resisted the most
powerful medicines. Deep-seated ulcers, beyond
the reach of other applications, sometimes yield to
its penetrating action.
A great advantage of the sea-water in chronic
diseases is, that it may be persevered in for a long
time, without weakening the intestines or the con-
stitution. Both the external and internal use of it,
however, (which it is to be remembered should al-
ways go together) must be employed at first only
two or three times a-week, and proceed gradually
till the patient can bear it properly every day; and
it should be gradually discontinued in the same man-
ner.
When the cold bath occasions chillness, loss of
appetite, listlessness, pain of the breasts, head-
aches, or bowel-disorders, such consequences prove
its disagreement with the patient.
But it may sometimes be highly dangerous to
try the experiment. In all obstinate obstructions,
and in diseases of the lungs or brain, as well as par-
ticular affections of the stomach and bowels, the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
331.
consequences may be fatal. A nervous asthma, or
atrophy, may be mistaken for a consumption of the
lungs, yet for the two first the cold-bath is bene-
ficial, and in the last, injurious, and probably fatal.
Persons of a plethoric or full habit ought not, with-
out precaution, to use the cold-bath. They run the
risk of bursting a blood-vessel, or producing an in-
flammation in an important part; but if they pre-
viously employ proper evacuants, and particularly
the sea-water, for some time, bathing will have the
best effects, either in plethoric, or extremely nervous
debilitated habits; even a single dip may produce
fevers, palsies, apoplexies, and death.
Persons of extreme nervous debility, however, will
be much benefited by the cold bath, if not taken
too precipitately. Not only women of delicate
habits, and weakly children, but men in the same
predicament, should begin with a tepid bath, at the
same degree as that of animal heat, namely ninety-
six degrees of Fahrenheit's thermometer, and reduce
it gradually, according to the increase of the pati-
ent's strength, and internal powers of re-action.
This mode of beginning with the warm bath, re-
ducing it gradually, and almost imperceptibly, till
perfectly cold, and persevering in the cold bath, is
particularly to be recommended in hysteric and
hypochondriac cases; in rheumatic complaints; in
the convulsive motions and muscular contractions,
called St. Vitus's dance; and generally in all that
branch of nervous disorders which comprehend
spasms, convulsions, epilepsies, and other symptoms
of debility, or iritability of the system.
The principal exceptions to these rules are, in the
treatment of spasmodic affections of the intestines,
hooping-coughs, and coughs in general, convulsive
asthmas, and complaints of the bowels or chest,
where the cold bath would, at any time, and under
any management, be extremely improper. In
coughs, and bowel-complaints, bathing the feet in
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BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
warm water is of great service, but to immerge the
whole body either in the warm or cold bath would
aggravate the symptoms.
Where there are any symptoms of paralytic af-
fections discoverable, the inconsiderate use of the
cold bath cannot be too strictly prohibited. This
complaint requires a great degree of external heat;
the hot bath is a sovereign remedy. Here, and in-
deed in every case, friction should never be neglected
immediately after bathing.
After immoderate drinking, the cold bath should
never be resorted to. It will certainly cool the
body, but it will be too powerful a refrigerant, and
may for ever extinguish animal heat; or should
nature resist the shock, still it must increase the
disorder of the stomach, the violence of the head-
ache, and the derangement of the circulation, and
will probably be attended with fever, or very trouble-
some eruptions.
In this case, however, the shower-bath, which can
be easily procured, or which may be supplied by a
common watering pan, may afford beneficial relief.
This application is in many cases extremely useful.
Its action may be regulated at pleasure; and as the
water descends like rain, it gently impels the blood
towards the lower extremities, and prevents the
danger which would arise from its sudden and too
rapid determination to the lungs and head, in some
of the cases before mentioned.
In hæmorrhages of every description, cold water
may be applied with good effect, as also in immod-
erate fluxes of the menses, and in the interval of
menstruation, cold bathing, and drinking chalybeate
waters. But where the discharge of blood proceeds
from affections of the brain, lungs, &c. or is habit-
ual, as in piles, nothing could be so improper as to
check the evacuation.
In the gout, and all its symptoms, cold-bathing
would repel the disorder, and probably throw it into
some vital part.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
333
Although the warm bath is in general to be re-
commended in obstruction of the menses, there are
cases of retention after the usual age, when the cold
bath may contribute to restore the tone of the sys-
tem; of these, however, a skilful physician must
judge.
Persons returning from a hot climate, will find
the warm-bath not only safer than the cold, but
more conducive to restore their strength. It may
be reduced by degrees to the cold bath, as recom-
mended in cases of debility.
OF MINERAL WATERS.
MINERAL waters are classed as hot and cold, and as
Chalybeate, Saline, Sulphurous, and Calcareous,
as they are impregnated with iron, salts, sulphur, or
lime.
Chalybeates may be distinguished as simple
chalybeates, having no prominent impregnation but
iron; and saline or purgative chalybeates, having a
strong mixture of purging salt, which are very dif-
ferent from the other, both in taste and effect.
Tunbridge is at the head of the former, and Chelten-
ham of the latter, class.
The Tunbridge waters greatly stimulate the re-
laxed nerves, and brace the system; afford relief in
flatulencies, bilious vomitings, irregular digestion,
and other consequences, either of debility or intem-
perance, and promote the circulation of the blood,
and the various secretions. They are particularly
serviceable in obstructions of the menses; but in
flooding they are injurious. They are beneficial in
obstructions of the urinary passages; and may be
used with great advantage in chronic diseases, which
arise from slow beginnings, and are attended with
laxity of the solids, without much organic disease.
But if the weakness proceeds from morbid affec-
tions of the mysentery, lungs, or other important
organs, they are improper.
334
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
Plethoric persons should not use these waters
without blood-letting, or other gentle attenuants.
They are often at first an active purgative, but
their continued use is rather apt to produce costive-
ness; in which case, gentle laxatives are necessary.
The water itself may be converted to a purgative
chalybeate, by the addition of a little magnesia or
Glauber's salts. In the removal of obstructions,
the warm bath is also recommended.
At first, the patient should take a quarter of a pint,
half an hour before breakfast, repeating the same
at intervals in the forenoon, and augmenting the
doses according to the sensations they excite. The
usual hours for these doses, are, eight, ten, and
twelve o'clock. At first, however, they should not
be taken fasting.
They may, in the first instance, produce giddiness,
nausea, vomiting, pain of the head and of the heart,
and sense of fulness over the whole body: but un-
less these symptoms continue obstinately, they
should not be considered as unfavourable. It is a
judicious practice to immerge a bottle of the chaly-
beate in hot water, to take off the chill.
The waters of Islington and Hampstead, are, in
their qualities, not much inferior to the Tunbridge.
A great matter, however, in the use of all the
waters, is to attend to a proper regimen. Pure air,
temperate living, early and regular hours, active
diversions, agreeable company, and relaxation from
business, are essentially proper.
The waters of the German Spa and Pyrmont,
being more active, their use requires greater caution.
The Spa water is four times as strong as the Tun-
bridge, and of course the dose must be proportion-
ate. At first a sufficient quantity of warm water
mixed with it will be useful both to reduce it, and
bring it to temperature proper for the constitution
of the patient; and here it is particularly indispen-
sable for persons of a plethoric habit previously
to use attenuants.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
335
The Pyrmont waters contain as much iron, and
twice as much fixed air, as those of the German
Spa; a necessary and appropriate caution must
therefore be observed. The waters of Pyrmont and
Spa afford the most refreshing and wholesome
draught, to relieve, in the morning, weakness of the
stomach, occasioned by too free a use of the bowl or
the bottle the night before.
Pyrmont waters, when diluted with new milk, are
found very serviceable in gouty cases, and may be
safely prescribed in this form, during the intervals
of the fits and the absence of inflammatory symp-
toms.
Those waters may be conveyed to any distance;
and will retain their medical properties, with little
or no diminution, for two years, if inclosed in bot-
tles well corked and covered with cement. They
contain so much fixed air, that it is usual, after fill-
ing the bottles, to leave them uncorked for a while,
to let the excess of the fixed air escape.
Purging chalybeates, as those of Cheltenham and
Scarborough, besides their iron impregnation, con-
tain such a portion of purgative salt, as to give them
a regular determination to the bowels. On first
drinking they are apt to create a giddiness and slight
head-ache; but this soon goes off, and their good
effects are sensibly felt. Of all laxatives, they are
perhaps the most agreeable, as they never occasion
griping or languor. They improve the appetite,
give tone to the stomach, promote vivaciousness,
and cleanse the body. Half a pint, repeated three
or four times a-day, is enough for any patient; but
this must be determined by the habit and the effects
they produce. When taken as an alterative, a con-
siderably smaller quantity will of course suffice.
The best time to take them is in summer, and they
may be well accompanied with the warm bath.
They are beneficial in glandular and visceral ob-
structions, in the first symptoms of dropsy, in
336
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
scrofula, in bilious complaints, and in scorbutic
eruptions.
The Scarborough waters contain not above one-
third of the purging salts of those of Cheltenham,
and thus act for the most part only as an alterative,
unless when they receive the addition of some pur-
gative salt, similar to what they hold in solution.
Scarborough, however, to counterbalance this, en-
joys an uncommon salubrious air and excellent sea-
bathing; and there is here also a simple chalybeate
spring, convenient for patients, where a determina-
tion to the kidneys may be desirable.
Simple saline mineral waters are of the same na-
ture, but not so strongly impregnated with purg-
ing salts, nor so efficacious, as sea-water. They are
numerous about the metropolis; as Bagnigge-
wells, Kelburn, and Acton: but they are now of
little repute. When they were in vogue, it was
usual and necessary to add a further solution of a
similar salt.
The most celebrated saline water is that of Selt-
zer, which may be said to form a particular species,
being also slightly alkaline, with a strong impreg-
nation of fixed air. A great deal of it is brought to
this country; and to preserve its virtue, it must be
instantly bottled, and kept close corked, otherwise
the fixed air will quickly evaporate, and the water
become not only vapid, but putrescent. If well
preserved, it sparkles when poured into a glass, and
has a gentle saline and somewhat pungent or acid-
ulous taste. One of the stone bottles in which it is
imported, may be taken at three intervals. It is by
no means disagreeable to the taste, and its effects are
generally exhilarating. In cases of hectic fever, it
is very serviceable, diluted with milk.
It corrects
expectoration, checks sweating, and contributes
much to the patient's repose.
Its rapid determination to the kidneys, the action
of its stimulus, and perhaps some power as a sol-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
337
vent, concur to produce very agreeable effects from
it, particularly in nervous affections of the stomach
and bowels, indigestion, bile, acidity, heart-burn,
spasmodic pains in the alimentary canal, and dis-
eases of the urinary organs. In these cases, with
the addition of a proper quantity of vitriolated mag-
nesia, taken every two or three days, it will form a
proper aperient.
Several of the foregoing waters have a slight im-
pregnation of sulphur; but there are also waters
where this is the chief ingredient, and which are ac-
cordingly termed sulphurous. The principal of
these is Harrogate.
Great benefit has been derived from the proper
use of the Harrogate waters, in eruptions of the skin,
in rheumatisms combined with scurvy, in obstruc-
tions, and in disorders of the first passages; acidity,
indigestion, vitiated bile, worms, putrid sores, piles,
and jaundice. They answer two important pur-
poses; first, acting as an alterative, and inducing,
by a mild operation, a gradual change in the ha-
bit; and secondly, when employed in larger doses,
are an easy and delicate purge, which does not weak-
en the patient so much as laxatives. There are al-
so, at Harrogate, baths of the same mineral, which,
in many disorders, are powerful auxiliaries to the
drinking.
It only now remains to speak of the calcareous
minerals, better understood under the description
of hot springs. Of these, the hot springs of Bath
have a decided superiority.
The Bath waters, drunk fresh from the spring, in-
crease heat, raise the pulse, and excite the secre-
tions, acting at the same time on the nervous sys-
tem. They not only promote perspiration andˇu-
rine, but increase saliva, and quench thirst better
than any other liquid, but should not be taken
when there is any tendency to fever. The relief
they afford in colics and convulsive retchings at-
179
Y
338
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
tending the gout in the stomach, and similar affec-
tions, evince their antispasmodic powers.
This, like the saline mineral, is strongly purga-
tive, and, as constant purging for months together
must debilitate the strongest constitution, the po-
pular idea of perseverance in its use should be cor-
rected. Purging is often necessary in acute dis-
eases, to cleanse the body, and in chronical cases it
may pave the way for the operation of other medi-
cines; but it will seldom effect a cure, and, by ex-
hausting the patient, it will generally leave him in
a worse condition than when it found him.
A pow-
erful stimulant like sulphur, however useful when
taken in moderation, and at proper intervals, must,
if improperly and habitually employed, weaken and
destroy the digestive organs.
Those who take the sulphurous or saline waters
to cure any obstinate malady, should use them as
an alterative, and so as to produce hardly any ef-
fect on the bowels. With this view, a half-pint glass
may be taken at bed-time, (but by no means after
eating a hearty supper), and the same quantity an
hour before breakfast, dinner, and supper, varying
the dose according to the chalybeate.
These waters give a great stimulus to the appe-
tite, but it ought to be checked. A light and ra-
ther diluting food is most proper; and no person,
during such a course, should eat to the full extent
of his stomach. Moderate exercise and exhilarat-
ing amusements are also highly necessary.
The Bath waters, used externally, unite all the
virtues of warm baths, and may be used at any heat,
from one hundred and six degrees, and under; the
baths are also commodious and extensive, so as to
afford the patient room to move freely about in
them, with an uniform warmth.
stimulant than the common warm
pulse and heat of the body to a
without being violently sudorific;
They are more
bath, raise the
higher degrec,
they are an ex-
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
339
cellent diuretic, and, instead of debilitating, they
impart vigour and alertness, and promote the ap-
petite.
The diseases in which they are to be recommend-
ed, are, the green sickness, before it has gone too
far; visceral obstructions; palsy; gout, when the
inflammatory symptoms have abated; swellings
of the knee; hypochondria; weakness of the or-
gans of digestion; colic; jaundice, when arising
from obstructions of the biliary ducts; hysterics;
spasmodic affections of the womb, and painful
nenstruation; and cutaneous and leprous erup-
tions.
It is safest to begin with a wine-glassful before
breakfast. If this feel easy and cordial, and excite
no pain or sense of fulness in the head or eyes, it
may be repeated at noon, and increased by degrees
as it suits the constitution.
The Cross-water bath, the warmth of which, when
fresh from the spring, is one hundred and twenty
degrees, is usually recommended to begin with. Af-
ter that, the King's or hot bath, which is twelve de-
grees higher in temperature, may be resorted to.
In respect to the bath, the patient should at first
continue in it only five or six minutes. Should
this produce no disagreeable symptoms, but im-
prove the health, strength, and spirits, it may be
gradually increased, till even half an hour, but ne-
ver so as to create lassitude or faintness.
The wa-
ters of the hot-bath are twelve degrees warmer than
the Cross-bath, which is a much greater difference
than at the pumps.
There are also private baths of any temperature,
to suit the patient's habit or complaint. The best
time for bathing is early in the morning; and it
may be repeated twice, or at most thrice a-week. A
partial bathing is in many respects preferable to a
total immersion.
Buxton waters approach nearest to those of Bath
340
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
of any in the kingdom; but their temperature is ou
ly eighty-two degrees.
Taken internally, in doses of near a pint before
breakfast, and as much before dinner, they afford
relief in flatulence, heartburn, nausea, indigestion,
and affections of the kidneys and bladder. As a
bath, they contribute to restore the action of limbs
that have lost their power, from violent inflamma-
tion, either occasioned by external injury, or pre-
ceding acute rheumatism; but if it be the conse-
quence of a paralytic stroke or gout, the warmer
temperature of the Bath waters affords more bene-
fit.
Matlock tepid springs are sixteen degrees cooler
than those of Buxton, and form a good interme-
diate bath between Buxton and the sea. They are,
therefore, properly employed in preparing invalids
for the latter, when this is necessary to complete a
cure. Taken internally, they have little medicinal
virtue.
The hot well of Bristol is of an intermediate
warmth between Buxton and Matlock, being seven-
ty-four degrees. It is not used to bathe in, but has
acquired great reputation in consumptive cases.
It is also efficacious in relaxations of the stom-
ach or bowels, occasioned by long residence in hot
climates, bilious diarrhoea, dysentery, and diabetes.
A regular course of these waters is excellent in
quenching the thirst, keeping the skin moist, allay-
ing fever, and correcting a preternatural discharge
of urine. Being impregnated with a little purga-
tive salt, aperient medicines ought in many cases
to accompany their use.
The full dose is half a pint, drunk early in the
morning, and repeated before breakfast, after an in-
terval of half an hour's gentle exercise. The same
two doses to be repeated midtime between break-
fast and dinner.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
841
OF THE COW-POX.
The cow-pox is a sort of mild disorder of pustules
on the teats, to which this animal is subject, and
which is prevalent in Gloucester, Dorset, Somerset,
and other counties in the west of England. It has
also been traced in Ireland, and in Italy, and some
other parts of the continent. This disorder is com-
municated to the milkers; and it having been ob-
served, that no person who had ever had this dis-
ease was ever afterwards subject to the contagion of
small-pox; and that it never proved fatal, Dr. Jen-
ner, a physician at Berkeley, in Gloucestershire,
made a full investigation of the fact, and proved,
that the inoculation first from the cow, and then
from one human being to another, indefinitely, may
be done without any diminution of its specific pow-
er; and that it is a complete preservative against
the small-pox. Having ascertained the truth of
these circumstances, Dr. Jenner attempted to ren-
der his observations generally useful, by communi-
cating the disease, received by the milkers, to child-
ren who had never been infected with the small-
pox. This he successfully accomplished; and the
happy results of these experiments has facilitated
the introduction of the inoculated cow-pox into al-
most every corner of the world. For this invalua-
ble discovery, the British parliament have rewarded
him with £10,000; and he has received the most
ample testimonies of respect and gratitude, from the
most illustrious public bodies and individuals of all
nations.
In propagating the cow-pox by inoculation, the
greatest care must be taken to procure proper mat-
ter, otherwise a spurious disease may be produced,
which does not preserve the constitution from the
small-pox, and yet may readily be mistaken for the
genuine cow-pox, by those who are not accurately
342
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
acquainted with the appearances of this disease.
To guard against accidents of this kind, cow-pox
matter should be taken from the pustule on one of
the days between the fifth and ninth, inclusive, from
the inoculation. The matter may fail in producing
the genuine disease, if it be not thin and limpid; but
after the ninth day, it usually becomes thick and pu-
rulent, and cannot often be procured sooner than
the fifth. The matter first taken is the strongest;
and when a large quantity is discharged it becomes
proportionally weaker.
The puncture at which the matter is to be insert-
ed, should be made in the hollow that is perceptible
in each arm, nearly half way between the shoulder
and the elbow. The manner of performing the oper-
ation is, to take a clean lancet, the end of which,
being held upright is made to puncture the pustule.
There soon arises a globule of the cow-pox matter,
which keeps gradually rising on the surface. The
point of the lancet is immersed in this fluid, and
inverted beneath the scarf-skin, and carried so
deep as just to scratch and irritate the true skin. In
this part of the operation, the lancet should be held
in such a direction, that the matter may run down
towards the point; then being withdrawn, it is wip-
ed over the inoculated part. To prevent failure, two
separate incisions may be made. Instead of a lan-
cet, a common needle may be used, which will be
found to answer the purpose equally well.
The following account of the symptoms which
commonly attend the genuine cow-pox, we extract
from an excellent treatise on the subject, by the
learned and ingenious Dr. George Bell, of Edin-
burgh.
'On the third day from the insertion of the virus,
if the infection has taken place, a small inflamed
circular spot will be observed, with the puncture in
its centre. At this early period, a slight swelling
may be felt, and even seen on looking sideways at
the part.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
343
'On the fourth day, the inflammation has spread,
and the swelling and hardness have evidently in-
creased; the puncture, which hitherto appeared like
a particle of hardened blood, begins to assume a yel-
lowish brown colour, and forms into a crust.
On the fifth day, these appearances have advanc-
ed; and on touching the tumour, or on viewing its
profile, a slight depression is discovered in the cen-
tre, owing to the edges being elevated by a transpa-
rent bluish, or pearl coloured-fluid, that is secreted
into the vesicle; and the inflamed circular spot,
which was visible on the third day, is now, in a great
measure, occupied by a new formed vesicle.
In most instances, the virus, which is now in its
most active state, may be taken at this time for the
purpose of inoculation; but, in some cases, it can-
not be collected in sufficient quantity till the sixth
or seventh day.
About this period, the swelling gradually increas-
es, and the vesicle contains a larger quantity of
lymph.
'On the eighth day, although it sometimes hap-
pens on the sixth or seventh, a slight degree of in-
flammation appears near the basis of the vesicle, of
a dark red colour, which lessens in brightness till it
reaches the extremity of the swelling, where it is
lost as it were in the surrounding skin. Within the
circumference of this circular inflammation, or are-
ola, the skin is hard and irritable, so that the least
degree of pressure excites pain; and the glands, in
the arm pits, in some instances, are stiff, swelled,
and painful, but seldom in any considerable degree.
The patient becomes sick and restless; has sudden
changes from heat to cold; his pulse is quick; he
complains of thirst; and is apt to start on falling
asleep.
• This constitutional affection is by no means an
uniform occurrence; and it is not requisite it should
be so, in order to ascertain that perfect vaccination
344
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
has taken place; but at the same time its appear-
ance, in conjunction with the other symptoms, must
certainly increase our confidence in the efficacy of
the inoculation. Dr. Jenner, had, at one time, some
doubts with regard to this, but he is now quite de-
cided as to vaccination giving security, "when no
indisposition has been perceptible, throughout the
whole progress of the pustules on the arm."
But although these symptoms appear occasion-
ally in a slight degree, they are commonly not so
severe as to require any medical treatment, and sel-
dom continue longer than twenty-four hours.
-
'As soon as this feverish attack takes place, the
vesicle, which had been advancing slowly and regu-
larly to maturity, increases more rapidly; the in-
flamed ring, or areola, with which it was surround.
ed, spreads in the course of a few hours, to nearly
double its former size, and, on the tenth day, or
sometimes sooner, is an inch and a half, often two
inches in diameter. This inflammation, or efflores-
cence, which seems to be of the erysipelatous kind,
when it takes place to a sufficient extent, may be
considered as a pretty certain test of the matter hav-
ing been genuine, and its having produced the real
vaccine disease.
'Hitherto the vesicle has been most elevated at
the margin, and has had an evident depression, be-
gins to fill up, and on the tenth or eleventh day,
the whole surface is either plain, or the centre is
more elevated than the margin.
'Some time between the eighth and tenth days,
an eruption of small pimples, or rather a rash, now
and then appears on different parts of the body, bear-
ing a strong resemblance to that which is frequent-
ly observed before the eruption of the inoculated
small-pox.
This rash is of no farther consequence than as it
affords an additional proof of the disease having en-
tered the constitution; and it requires no particular
medical treatment.
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
345
'On the eleventh day, the vesicle has attained its
full maturity; and, about this time, the virus con-
tained in it is very similar to purulent matter: it
becomes less fluid than it was before, and also loses
much of its activity, as is found to be the case on its
being used.
'On the twelfth day, the inflammation is much di-
minished, leaving a slight degree of redness at the
base of the vesicle, and an inflamed ring round the
circumference of the aureola, while the intermediate
space is nearly of the same colour with the sound
skin.
This double ring, as it may be termed, is a dis-
tinctive mark of the real cow-pox, provided it takes
place after the symptoms already enumerated; al-
though, as it is not perceptible in every case, espe-
cially where the inflammation has been more severe
than usual, the want of it does not necessarily imply
that the disease is of a spurious kind. The fluid in
the vesicle now begins to dry up, the cuticle to se-
parate, and the crust, which was before brown, ac-
quires a darker hue, and becomes more extensive.
'On the twelfth or thirteenth day, the external
margin of the aureola completely disappears; and on
the fifteenth, scarcely a vestige of inflammation is
perceived.
'From the time of the matter becoming dry, the
crust is perceived to be thicker and more elevated,
and of a darker colour; and some time between the
eighteenth and twenty-second day, it separates, and
falls off, when it is found to be semi-transparent,
and leaves either a pit, somewhat larger than that
of a single small-pock, or a slightly ulcerated sur-
face.
The cicatrix, or scar that remains, is permanent,
corresponding in size and shape with the vesicle to
which it succeeded; and a number of minute inden-
tations may be observed in the skin, showing the cel-
lular structure of the original vesicle.
316
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
• Lastly, it must be remembered, as I have observ-
ed already, that, in the genuine cow-pox, the in-
flammation does not commonly take place, in any
considerable degree, till the third day; from which
time to the eleventh day, in continues gradually to
increase. Yet this is not the case universally; I
have known inflammation follow the insertion of
the virus immediately, and the vesicle pass after-
wards through all its stages, in the most regular
manner.
'The time at which the puncture becomes inflam-
ed is various, and seems to depend on one or other
of the following circumstances.
1. On the age and habit of the patient.-In weak-
ly infants, the inflammation is not so rapid in its
progress, and does not proceed to such a height, as
in adults, or in robust children. The sickness and
febrile symptoms are commonly more severe in a-
dults, than in early infancy. In young children, in-
deed, they are often scarcely to be observed, if it
be not by their making them more fretful than usu-
al for a few hours.
2. On the kind of matter that is used in the in-
oculation.-If the matter has been taken at a late pe-
riod of the disease, when it approaches to purulen-
cy, it loses much of its specific activity, and often
has no farther effect than that of exciting an imme-
diate and slight inflammation, similar to what any
irritating substance inserted beneath the cuticle
might be supposed to induce; but this dies away on
the third or fourth day from the inoculation. In
some cases, again, it produces a good deal of inflam-
mation, and a variety of irregular appearances,
which have been occasionally mistaken for the gen-
uine cow-pox, by those who were not aware that
such irregularities sometimes take place, or who
had not attended sufficiently to the progress of the
symptoms. At other times, the matter lies in a
inanner torpid till the fourth or fifth day, when the
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
317
part inflames suddenly, and the disease runs its
course regularly from that period in the usual man-
ner.
'3. On the season of the year.-The cow-pox, like
the small-pox, has been observed in many cases to
proceed with greatest rapidity in warm weather;
and, in winter, the progress of the pustule is less ra
pid than it is in summer.
'It is necessary, therefore, that practitioners
should be aware of these circumstances, that they
may not be surprised at their occurrence; that they
may guard against them as much as possible; and
that mistakes on their part, which might be ascrib-
ed to the failure of the cow-pox, may be avoided.
• From all that has been said, it appears, that the
indisposition arising from the inoculated cow-pox
is so slight, as scarcely to deserve the name of a dis
ease; but the greatest degree of fever that has ever
taken place, from the concurrence of several unfa-
vourable circumstances, such as the inoculation be
ing performed during very hot weather, on a very
robust patient, or during a fit of teething, has uni-
formly yielded to the means that are usually adopt-
ed in the common febrile attacks in children, whe-
ther these arise from accidental cold, or some other
occasional irritation; I mean, keeping the patient
on a cool moderate diet, his body open, and bathing
him for two or three minutes, up to the neck in warm
water at bed-time. As it is, however, a point of
much importance to know that the virus has enter-
ed the constitution; and as the febrile symptoms,
which appear about the eighth day, form one of the
strongest proofs that this has taken place; we should
not, in any instance, attempt to prevent their acces
sion. When the irritation arising from the vesicle
is considerable, and excites much inflammation, a
gentle laxative or two of calomel, senna, or jalap,
seldom fails to remove it; and dusting the inflamed
343
BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINE.
parts with flour or hair-powder, is the best localap-
plication that can be made.
'From scratching, or other causes, the vesicle is
sometimes ruptured, and a sore is formed, which, if
it is not checked in its progress, will, in bad habits
of body, such as where there is a scrofulous or scor-
butic taint in the patient's constitution, occasional-
ly spread in different directions, as frequently hap-
pens in small-pox. Whenever the vesicle inflames
too much, and afterwards ulcerates, if it does not, in
the course of a few days, yield to the mildest dress-
ings, such as simple ointment, the sore should be
sprinkled every second day with calcined alum, in
fine powder, by which it is commonly cured.
But this is seldom necessary. Except in a few
instances, I have not had occasion to make use of
any kind of dressings.'
It
Inoculation may be advised at all ages, in every
season of the year, and in whatever habit of body
the patient is, except in the first six or eight weeks
of infancy, or in severe fits of teething; during the
continuance of measles, scarlet fever, itch, and in
general all other eruptive and febrile diseases.
may be proper to observe, however, that there are
some states of the body which do not readily admit
the vaccine disease, as is said to be the case with
patients infected with the itch, as well as those who
have been recently using much mercury or sul-
phur.
A LIST OF SIMPLES,
AND OF SUCH MEDICAL PREPARATIONS AS OUGHT TO BE
KEPT IN READINESS FOR PRIVATE PRACTICE.
AGARIC
Alum
Flowers of damask roscs
red ditto
bitter apple
Fruits, almond
cinnabar of
sulphur of
Antimony, crude
Balsam of Capivi
of Peru
of Tolu
Bark, cascarilla
cassia fistularis
Curasso oranges
figs, dried
French prunes
Jamaica pepper
Juniper berries
cinnamon
Mezereon
nutmegs
Peruvian
tamarinds
Winter's or cauclla
Gum, aloes
Borax
[alba
ammoniac, in tears
Calamine stone, levigated
Castor, Russian
Caustic, common
lunar
Earth, Fuller's
Arabic
assafœtida
camphor
galbanum
gamboge
Japan
Armenian bole
French ditto
Extracts of gentian
guaiacum
hellebore, black
hemlock
jalap
liquorice
Peruvian bark
poppies
wormwood
Flowers of camomile
coltsfoot
elder
rosemary
guaiacum
kino
myrrh
opium
Hartshorn, calcined
shavings of
Herbs, lesser centaury
peppermint
spearmint
penny-royal
savin
trefoil
uva ursi
wormwood
Lead, litharge
white
350
APPENDIX.
Lead, sugar of
Lemon-peel
Mace
Magnesia alba
Manna
Mercury, crude
calcined
Æthiop's mineral
calomel
corrosive sublimate
red precipitate
Roots, lily, white
liquorice
marshmallow
mezereon
rhubarb
sarsaparilla
seneka
squills
tormentil
turmeric
Virginian snake
Musk
white ditto
Oil, essential, of amber
of anise
of cinnamon
of juniper
of lemon-peel
of peppermint
expressed, of almonds
of linseed
of olives, or Florence
Safron
wild valerian
zedoary
Sal ammoniac, crude
Salt Epsom
of Glauber
volatile
of hartshorn
nitre purified or pru-
polychrest
Rochel
of tartar
[uel
caraway
cardamom
of palms
[oil
of turpentine
Seeds, anise
Orange-peel
Oyster-shells, prepared
Poppy-licads
Resin, benzoin
flowers
Burgundy pitch
dragon's blood
frankincense
liquid storax
white, or resin
scammony
Roots, birthwort
calamus aromaticus
contrayerva
garlic
gentian
ginger
hellebore, black,
Jalap
[white
ipecacuanha
Senua
coriander
cummin
mustard
sweet fennel
wild carrot
Spanish flies
Spermaceti
Spirits, æthereal or æther
of hartshorn
lavender,
nitre
com-
[pound
ditto, dulcified
sal ammoniac
sea salt
vinegar
vitriol
wine, rectified
APPENDIX.
351
Spirits, of volatile, aromatic Tutty, levigated
Steel, filings of
rust of, prepared
scluble salt of
Sulphur vivum
Turpentine, Venice
Verdegrise
Vitriol, green
blue
balsam of
flowers of
F
'Tar
Barbadoes
Tartar, cream of
emctic
soluble
vitriolated
Tin, prepared
white
Wax, white
yellow
Woods, guaiacum
logwood
sassafras
sanders, red
Zinc, flowers of
GENERAL
CATALOGUE OF MEDICINES,
IN COMMON USE;
According to their English names; with their Doses.
N. B. The doses here set down are the smallest and
the largest usually given to adults, or full grown per-
sons; for younger persons and infants, the dose must
be reduced in the proportion mentioned in the Appen-
dix, page 354, but must always be regulated by the
strength as well as the age of the patient.
The New Names of Drugs are in Italic.
ACID, the acetous
-0·
from 1 scruple to 1 drachm
muriatic (spirit of salt).. 10 drops 40 drops
nitrous diluted (aqua-} 10 drops
fortis)
vitriolic diluted
Æther vitriolic
Ethiop's mineral.
silver with Sulphur
Aloes
•
Alum.
burned...
Amber prepared..
See Quick-
Ammonia prepared (volatile}
salt of
Ammoniac gum.......
milk of..
Angelica powdered
Anise, the seeds of.......
..
.. 40 drops
15 drops .. 40 drops
30 drops
2 drachms
5 grains 30 grains
6 grains.. 20 grains
3 grains.. 12 grains
drachm. 1 drachmi
10 grains
1 scruple
5 grains
+ oz.
30 grains
1 oz.
drachm. 1 drachm
10 grains
1 drachm
175
L
354
APPENDIX.
Antimony
10 grains
1 drachm
calcined (calx of
antimony)
of }
10 grains
.. 40 grains
glass of
grain
1 grains
4 grains
..
15 grains
powder of, a suc-
cedaneum for Dr. James's
fever powders....
It often produces nausea and
tartarised (tartar }
vomiting.
Assafoetida
milk of..
emetic).
1
Asarum, powder of, provokes
sneezing
Balsam of capivi.........
Canadian
of Peru
of Tolu
Bark, Peruvian, See Cinchona..
Bear's foot powder
Benzoin, resin of
flowers of
•
Bistort, powder of.......……………
Bole, Armenian
French.
Borax....
Broom, ashes of the tops
grain
grain
6 grains ..
중 ​02.
4 gr.emet.
gr.alter.
drachm
1 oz.
60 drops
3 grains
20 drops
1 scruple.
1 drachm
6 grains
30 grains
30 grains
6 grains
2 scruples. 2 drachms
10 grains .. 20 grains
4 grains
20 grains
5 grains 15 grains
..
1 scruple
1 drachm
•
2 drachms
10 grains
1 drachm 2 drachms
•
... 10 grains
40 grains
1 scruple..
1 drachm
Burdock, powder of the root.. 10 grains
Calomel
Camomile in powder
Camphor
Canella alba.
Cantharides
Caraway seeds
Cardamoms
Cascarilla bark powder..
Cassia, the pulp..
Castor
Catechu (Japan earth)
•
·
{
Ceruse acetated (sugar of lead)
Chalk
Cinchona powder (Peruvian
bark)
...
1 grain
1 drachm
S gr.alter.
3 grains .. 10 gr.purg.
15 grains 2 scruples
2 grains
..
··
drachm
1 scruple.. 2 drachms
grain
5 grains
3 grains
20 grains
5 grains .. 20 grains
. 10 grains 40 grains
2 drachms.
9 grains
1 oz.
1 scruple
20 grains
1 drachm
grain
2 grains
20 grains
2 scruples
2 scruples. 2 drachms
APPENDIX.
355
Cinnamon.
from
5 grains to 1 drachm
10 grains
1 drachm
18 grains
1 drachm
10 grains
..
....
Columbo powder
confection)
Confection, aromatic (cardiac
opiate (London
Philonium)
Conserve of arum
hips...
oranges
roses...
squills
wood sorrel...
Contrayerva…………
Coriander seed
Cowhage, the spicula contain-
ed in one pod, mixed with
honey or molasses...
Crabs' claws, prepared..
Dandelion, expressed juice……..
Decoction of hartshorn (white
decoction)
Decoction of broom tops; one
ounce slightly boiled in a pint
and a half of water to a pint;
strain the liquor. To be ta-
ken by tea-cupsful at a time
cinchona, decoction
}
of Peruvian bark
the inner bark of elm
sarsaparilla.…………
of guaiacum, three
drachms to a pint of water
Electuary of cassia....
scammony
senna
electuary)
Elecampane, powder of the root
Extract of cascarilla..
cinchona (extract
of Peruvian bark)
broom-tops........
camomile...
colocynth compound
(cathartic extract)
1 scruple..
drachm
1 drachm
as much as you please
scruple.. 1 drachm
† oz.
10 grains
1 oz.
1 drachm
..
1 drachm
1 scruple..
or 5 grains. 10 grains
10 grains
1 oz.
1 Oz.
1 oz.
4 oz.
4 OZ
··
1 drachm
2 oz.
6 oz.
4 oz.
16 oz. daily
.. 16 oz. daily
1 pint or more daily
•
1 drachm 1 oz.
20 grains .. 1 drachm
drachm
•
1 drachm
20 grains
10 grains..
10 grains
1 drachm
drachm
drachm
drachm. 1 drachm
1 scruple 1 drachm
•
5 grains 25 grains
..
356
APPENDIX.
Extract of gentian
guaiacum
....
from 10 grains to
10 grains
black hellebore....
2 grains ..
jalap
10 grains
liquorice
1 drachm.
logwood
10 grains
white poppies..
1 grain
rue..
10 grains
savin
10 grains
10 grains
...
•
•
drachma
1 scruple
10 grains
1 scruple
3 drachms
drachm
5 grains
1 scruple
drachm
drachm
1 drachm
oz.
3 graine
Fennel-seed
senna
Fern, powder of the root
Fox-glove, powder of the leaves
or a drachm infused in a pint
of boiling water, of which the
dose is an ounce, once, twice,
or thrice a-day. This should
be used with great care and
circumspection.
Galbanum...
Galls
Garlic, cloves of, stripped of
of }
the exterior skin..
Gentian...
Germander
Ginger
Ginseng
...
Guaiacum gum-resin
Gum Arabic
gamboge
Hartshorn, prepared
liquor volatile of
of,}
(spirits of hartshorn)
salt of
•
Hellebore, black....
Hemlock, powdered leaves of..
inspissated juice of..
Begin these in small doses,
and gradually increase as
the constitution will bear.
Honey of roses
squills
Jalap powder
1 scruple
drachm
grain
30 grains
10 grains
10 grains .. 20 grains
No. I.
No. V.
10 grains 2 scruples
15 grains 1 drachm
5 grains 30 grains
20 grains .. 30 grains
10 grains .. 30 grains
15 grains 1 drachm
2 grains .. 10 grains
I scruple I drachm
drachm. 2 drachms
10 grains 20 grains
5 grains .. 10 grains
2 grains .. 15 grains
1 grain

1 drachm
•
5 grains
•
2 drachms
2 scruples
10 grains
.. 10 grains .. 30 grains
APPENDIX.
357
Infusion of gentian, compound
(bitter infusion)
from
Infusion of roses, (tincture of
roses).
―― senna
Iron, rust of, prepared
Ipecacuanha..
ammoniated,
flowers)
tartarized
2 OZ.
to 4 02.
2 oz.
8 OZ.
2 OZ.
4 cz.
10 grains 30 grains
..
6 grains .. 25 grains
(martial
4
} grains
..
1 scruple
2 grains .. 10 grains
vitriolated, (salt of Mars) grain 5 grains
Kino, gum
Kermes, juice of
··
10 grains ..
drachm
1 drachm.
·
3 drachms
40 grains
4 OZ.
Lichen, ash, coloured, ground. 3 grains
Icelandic, a strong de-
coction of
:} } 1 oz.
Linseed, an infusion of one
ounce to a quart of boiling
water, may be drunk in cups-
ful at pleasure
Mace
Madder, powder of
Magnesia, white..
calcined
vitriolated, (bitter
purging salt, or Epsom salt)
Manna
Mastich, gum
Milk of Almonds (common
emulsion)
Millipedes
10 grains
1 scruple
drachm 1 drachm
•
•
drachm 2 drachms
1 scruple 1 drachm
•
2 drachms.
1 oz.
scruple.
1 oz.
2 oz.
drachm

1 oz.
QZ.
20 grains
2 drachms
2 02.
2 grains
··
1 scruple
..
1 oz.
Mixture, camphorated (cam-) oz.
phor jalap)
Musk
mixture (musk jalap)
Mustard seed
Myrrh, gum…….
oz.
i drachm.
10 grains
.. 10 grains
oz.
Natron, prepared (soda salt)
tartarized (Rochel salt)
vitriolated (Glauber's }
salt)
Nitre, purified
Dil of almonds
Nutmeg
} oz.
10 grains
5 grains
oz.
..
1 OZ.
1 drachm
drachm
1 oz.
1 oz.
drachm
1 scruple
1 oz,
358
APPENDIX.
Oil of castor ............from 2 drachms to 1 oz.
linseed
Olibanum
Opium, purified (Thebaic ex-
tract)
•
oz.
10 grains
··
1 oz.
drachm
} grain, 1 grain, 3 grains
In hydrophobia, frenzy, and
some other desperate disease
the dose may be augmented
Opoponax
Oxymel of colchicum ........
Petroleum..
Pills, aloetic compound
•
of the gums
quicksilver (mercurial pills
Pomegranate rind, powder of
Powder of aloes with canella
(hiera picra).
with guaiacum
contrayerva com-
pound
chalk compound
with opium
crabs' claws com-
pound
ipecacuanha, com-
pound (Dover's powder)
Quassia
..
Two drachms to a pint of
boiling water, and of
cloves one drachm, for an
infusion: dose
Quicksilver, crude (mercury)
calcined (calcined
mercury).
10 grains
drachm
drachm. 1 drachm
10 drops
..
30 drops
10 grains
10 grains
10 grains ..
•
25 grains
drachm
1 scruple
1 scruple 1 drachm
scruple. 2 scruples
scruple.
1 scruple
15 grains drachm
..
•
drachm 1 drachm
i scruple. 2 scruples
1 drachm. 2 drachms
scruple.
5 grains
1 oz.
oz.
} } grain
10 grains
6 grains
muriated (corro-} grain
sulphur
..
..
..
drachm
30 grains
2 OZ.
4 oz.
1 grain
drachm
30 grains
grain
1 drachm
with chalk
cinnabar of
sive sublimate....
with
(Ethiop's mineral)
1 scruple
•
emetic mercury)….
vitriolated, as ster-
grain
1 grain
2 gr. alter
3 grains.
nutatory
vitriolated (yellow
....
APPENDIX.
359
Quicksilver, vitriolated as emetic 2 grains to 8 grains
Quince-seeds, mucilage of, at
pleasure; to obtund acri-
mony.
Rhubarb, powder of'..
Resin, yellow
Rue powder
St. John's wort
Saffron
Sagapenum
Sal ammoniac
Salt of tartar...
Sarsaparilla, powder of
Scammony
Sencka
Soap .....
Spirit of ammonia (sweet spi-
rit of sal ammoniac)
ammonia, compound
(volatile aromatic spirit)..
ammonia, fætid (vola-
tile fœtid spirit)
nitrous æther (dulci-
fled spirit of nitre)..
vitriolic æther (dulci.
fied spirit of vitriol)
Sponge, burnt
Squills, fresh
...
Sulphur, flowers of
precipitated (milk of
sulphur)
mony...
Syrup of buckthorn
ginger
poppies.
Syrups in general
Tartar, cream of
Car water ..
Tin, powder of...
Turmeric
10 grains
2 scruples
3 grains
I scruple
1 scruple
•
20 grains
2 scruples
1 drachu
5 grains 20 grains
..
10 grains .. 30 grains
8 grains
10 grains
1 scruple..
5 grains
··
•
I scruple
drachi
1 dracin
1 scruple
1 scruple 2 scruples
drachm
•
oz.
1 drachm 2 drachm.
•
drachm. 1 drachm
drachm. 1 drachm
drachm. 2 drachms
† drachm. 2 drachms
•
1 drachm
1 scruple
5 grains .. 12 grains
20 grains
1 drachm
i drachni. 2 drachmis
}
of anti-
1 grain
5 grains
1 drachm. 2 drachms
1 drachm. 2 drachm
1 drachm. 2 drachms
the same
2 drachms.
a pint daily
1 scruple
1 oz,
1 drachm
•
scruple 1 drachm
•
10 drops
..
15 drops
uz.
....
Turpentine, spirit of
Tincture of alocs
1 02.
860
APPENDIX.
Tincture of aloes, compound drachm to 2 drachms
(elixir of aloes)
assafætida
tincture)
(traumatic balsam)
(fœtid} } drachm
2 drachms
•
.. 40 drops
benzoin, compound 10 drops
·
cantharides...
cardamoms
1 scruple.. 1 drachm
pound stomachic tincture} 1 drachm
castor
catechu (Japan earth)
•
drachm. 1
1 drachm.
cinchona (tincture} 1 drachm
of Peruvian bark)
columba
1 drachm.
•
3 drachms
drachmis
2 drachms
♣ oz.
9 drachms
gentian, compound 1 drachm. 3 drachms
(bitter tincture)
guaiacum, ammoniat-
ed (tincture of guaiacum)
black hellebore ......
1 drachm.
oz.
1 scruple 1 drachm
1 drachm
30 drops
•
•
oz.
2 drachms
jalap
myrrh
opium (Thebaic tinc-
ture)
} 10 drops
40 drops
camphorated
oz.
rhubarb
2 02.
(parcgoric elixir)
senna
snake-root
valerian
valerian, powder of
Vinegar, distilled
metic
•
of squills...
Vitriol, blue, (vitriolated cop-
1 drachm
oz.
2 drachms. 1 oz.
1 drachm. 2 drachms
1 drachm.
3 drachms
1 scruple 2 drachms
1 drachm
•
oz.
drachm 1 drachms
as an e-
toz.
grain
per)
violently emetic..
5 grains
..
Uva ursi, in powder
15 grains
oz.
oz.
20 drops
Water, the simple distilled
waters may generally be
given
Wine of aloes (sacred tincture)
antimony..
ipecacuanha
1 oz.
2 grains
1 scruple
1 drachm
2 OZ.
1 oz.
2 drachms
1 drachm. 1}. oz.
APPENDIX.
361
Wine of rhubarb (vinous tinc-
ture of rhubarb...... from
Winter's bark, or canella alba
Worm-seed
Zinc, calcined (flowers of zinc)
vitriolated (white vitriol
or salt of vitriol as a tonic)
as a quick-
oz.
to 2 oz..
2 drachms
1 scruple
† drachm. 1 drachm
1 grain 5 grains
1 grain
5 grains
ly operating emetic in cases
of poison or the like being
swallowed.....
10 grains..
drachm
MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS.
BALSAMS.
THE subject of this section is not the natural bal-
sams, but certain compositions, which, from their
being supposed to possess balsamic qualities, gener-
ally go by that name. This class of medicines was
formerly very numerous, and held in great esteem.
Modern practice, however, has justly reduced it to
a very narrow compass.
Anodyne Balsam.-Take of white Spanish soap,
one ounce; opium, unprepared, two drachms; rec-
tified spirit of wine, nine ounces. Digest them to-
gether in a gentle heat, for three days; strain off
the liquor, and add to it three drachms of camphor.
This balsam, as its title expresses it, is intended
to heal pain. It is of service in violent strains and
rheumatic complaints, when not attended with in-
flammation. It must be rubbed with a warm hand
on the part affected; or a linen rag, moistened with
it, may be applied to the part, and renewed every
third or fourth hour, till the pain abates. If the
opium be left out, this will be the Saponaceous
Balsam.
Locatelli's Balsam.-Take of olive oil, one pint;
Strasburg turpentine and yellow wax, of each, half
a pound; red sanders, six drachms. Melt the wax
with some part of the oil, over a gentle fire; then,
adding the remaining part of the oil of turpentine,
afterwards mix them in the sanders, previously re-
duced to a powder, and keep stirring together till
the balsam is cold.
BALSAMS AND BOLUSES.
363
This balsam is recommended in erosions of the
intestines, the dysentery, hæmorrhages, internal
bruises, and in some complaints of the breast.
Outwardly it is used for healing and cleansing
wounds and ulcers. The dose, when taken internal-
ly, is from two scruples to two drachms.
The Vulnerary Balsam.-Take, of benzoin, powder-
ed, three ounces; balsam of Peru, two ounces; hepa-
tic aloes, in powder, half an ounce; rectified spirits
of wine, two pints. Digest them in a gentle heat for
three days, and then strain the balsam.
This balsam, or rather tincture, is applied exter-
nally to heal recent wounds and bruises. It is
likewise employed internally to remove coughs,
asthmas, and other complaints of the breast; it is
said to ease the colic, cleanse the kidneys, and to
heal internal ulcers, &c. The dose is from twenty
to sixty drops.
This, though a medicine of some value, does not
deserve the extravagant encomiums which have been
bestowed on it. It has been celebrated under the
different names of the Commander's Balsam, Persian
Balsam, Balsam of Borne, Wade's Balsam, Friar's
Balsam, Jesuit's Drops, Torlington's Drops, &c.
BOLUSES.
As boiuses are intended for immediate use, volatile
salts, and other ingredients improper for being
kept, are admitted into their composition. They
are generally composed of powders, with a proper
quantity of syrup, conserve, or mucilage. The light-
er powders are commonly made up with syrup, and
the more ponderous, as mercury, &c. with conserve;
but those of the lighter kind would be more conveni-
ently made up with mucilage, as it increases their
bulk less than the other additions, and likewise oc-
casions the medicine to pass down more easily.
Astringent Bolus.-Take of alum, in powder, fif-
364
BOLUSES.
teen grains; gum kino, five grains; syrup, suffiei-
ent quantity to make a bolus.
In an excessive flow of the menses, and other
violent discharges of blood, proceeding from relax-
ation, this bolus may be given every four or five
hours, till the discharge abates.
Diaphoretic Bolus.-Take of gum guaiacum, in
powder, ten grains; flowers of sulphur and cream
of tartar, of each one scruple; simple syrup, a suf-
ficient quantity.
In rheumatic complaints, and disorders of the
skin, this bolus may be taken twice a-day. It will
also be of service in the inflammatory quinsey.
Mercurial Bolus-Take of calomel, six grains;
conserve of roses, half a drachm. Make a bolus.
Where mercury is necessary, this bolus may be
taken twice or thrice a-week. It may be taken over
night; and if it does not operate, a few grains of
jalap will be proper next day to carry it off.
Bolus of Rhubarb and Mercury.-Take of the best
rhubarb in powder, from a scruple to half a drachm;
of calomel from four to six grains; simple syrup, a
sufficient quantity to make a bolus.
This is a
proper purge in hypochondriac constitutions; but
its principal intention is to expell worms. Where
a stronger purge is necessary, jalap may be used
instead of the rhubarb.
Pectoral Bolus.-Take of spermaceti, a scruple;
gum ammoniac, ten grains; salt of hartshorn, six
grains; simple syrup, as much as will make them
into a bolus.
This bolus is given in colds and coughs, of long
standing, asthmas, and beginning consumptions of
the lungs. It is generally proper to bleed the pa-
tient before he begins to use it.
Purging Bolus.-Take of jalap, in powder, a
scruple; cream of tartar, two scruples. Let them
be rubbed together, and formed into a bolus, with
simple syrup.
CATAPLASMS AND SINAPSISMS.
365
Where a mild purge is wanted, this will answer
the purpose very well. If a stronger dose is neces-
sary, the jalap may be increased to half a drachm
or upwards.
CATAPLASMS AND SINAPSISMS.
CATAPLASMS possess few or no virtues superior to
a poultice, which may be so made as in most cases
to supply their place. They are chiefly intended
either to act as discutients, or to promote suppur-
ation; and as they may be of service in some cases,
we shall give a specimen of each kind.
Discutient Cataplasm.-Take, of barley meal, six
ounces; fresh hemlock leaves, bruised, two ounces;
vinegar, a sufficient quantity. Boil the meal and
hemlock in the vinegar for a little time, and then
add two drachms of the sugar of lead.
Ripening Cataplasm.-Take of white lily root, four
ounces; fat figs and raw onions, bruised, of each,
one ounce; yellow basilicum ointment, two ounces;
gum galbanum, half an ounce; linseed as much as
necessary. Boil the roots along with the figs in a
sufficient quantity of water, then bruise and add to
them the other ingredients, so as to form the whole
into a soft cataplasm. The galbanum must be pre-
viously dissolved with the yolk of an egg.
Where it is necessary to promote suppuration,
this cataplasm may be used by those who choose to
be at the trouble and expense of making it. For
my part, I have never found any application more
proper for this purpose than a poultice of bread and
milk, with a sufficient quantity of either boiled or
raw onion in it, and softened with oil or fresh butter.
Sinapsisms.-Sinapsisms are employed to recall
the blood and spirits to a weak part, as in the palsy
or atrophy. They are also of service in deep-seated
pains, as the sciatica, &c. When the gout seizes
the head or the stomach, they are applied to the feet
366
CATAPLASMS AND CLYSTERS.
!
to bring the disorder to these parts. They are like-
wise applied to the patient's soles, in the low state
of fevers. They should not be suffered to lie on,
however, till they have raised blisters, but till the
parts become red, and will continue so when pressed
by the finger.
The sinapsism is only a poultice made with vine-
gar instead of milk, and rendered warm and stim-
ulating by the addition of mustard, horse-radish, or
garlic.
The common sinapsism is made by taking crumb
of bread and mustard-seed in powder, of each equal
quantities; strong vinegar, as much as is sufficient,
and mixing them so as to make a poultice.
When sinapsisms of a more stimulating nature
are wanted, a little bruised garlic may be added to
the above.
CLYSTERS.
THIS class of medicines is of more importance than
is generally imagined. Clysters serve not only to
evacuate the contents of the belly, but also to con-
vey very active medicines into the system. Opium,
for example, may be administered in this way when
it will not sit on the stomach, and also in larger
doses than at any time it can be taken by the mouth.
The Peruvian bark may likewise be, with good ef-
fect, administered in the form of clyster, to persons
who cannot take it by the mouth.
A simple clyster can seldom do hurt, and there
are many diseases where it may be good. A clyster
even of warm water, by serving as a fomentation to
the parts, may be of considerable service in inflam-
mations of the bladder and the lower intestines, &c.
Some substances, as the smoke of tobacco, may
be thrown into the bowels in this way, which cannot
be done by any other means whatever. This may
be easily effected by means of a pair of hand-bel-
CLYSTERS.
337
lows, with an apparatus fitted to them for that pur-
pose.
Nor is the use of clysters confined to medicines.
Aliments may also be conveyed in this way. Per-
sons unable to swallow, have been for a considerable
time supported by clysters.
Emollient Clyster.-Take of linseed tea and new
milk, each six ounces. Mix them.
If fifty or sixty drops of laudanum be added to
this, it will supply the place of the Anodyne
Clyster.
Laxative Clyster.--Take of milk and water, each
six ounces; sweet oil or fresh butter, and brown
sugar, of each two ounces. Mix them. If an ounce
of Glauber's salt, or two table-spoonfuls of common
salt be added to this, it will be a Purging Clyster.
Carminative Clyster.-Take of camomile flowers,
an ounce; aniseseeds, half an ounce. Boil in a pint
and a half of water to one pint.
In hysteric and hypochondriac complaints, this
may be administered instead of the Fætid Clyster,
the smell of which is so disagreeable to most pa-
tients.
Oily Clyster.-To four ounces of the infusion of
camomile flowers, add an equal quantiy of Florence
oil.
This clyster is beneficial in bringing off small
worms lodged in the lower parts of the alimentary
canal. When given to children, the quantity must
be proportionably lessened.
Starch Clyster.-Take jelly of starch, four ounces;
linseed oil, half an ounce. Liquify the jelly over
a gentle fire, and then mix in the oil. In the dy-
sentery or bloody flux, this clyster may be admin-
istered after every loose stool, to heal the ulcerated
intestines, and blunt the sharpness of corroding
humours. Forty or fifty drops of laudanum may
occasionally be added; in which case it will gener-
ally supply the place of the Astringent Clyster.
368
COLLYRIA, OR EYE-WATERS.
Turpentine Clyster.-Take of common decoction,
ten ounces; Venice turpentine, dissolved with the
yolk of an egg, half an ounce; Florence oil, one
ounce. Mix them.
This diuretic is proper in obstructions of the
urinary passages, and in colicky complaints, pro-
ceeding from gravel.
Vinegar Clyster.-This clyster is made by mixing
three ounces of vinegar with five of water-gruel.
It answers all the purposes of a common clyster,
with the peculiar advantage of being proper either
in inflammatory or putrid fevers, especially in the
latter.
We think it unnecessary to give more examples
of this class of medicines, as ingredients adapted to
any particular intention may be occasionally added
to one or other of the above forms.
COLLYRIA, OR EYE-WATERS.
EYE-WATERS have been multiplied without number;
almost every person pretending to be possessed of
some secret preparation for the cure of sore eyes.
I have examined many of them, and find that they
were very much alike, the basis of most of them be-
ing either alum, vitriol, or lead. Their effects evi-
dently are, to brace and restore the tone of the
parts; hence they are principally of service in slight
inflammations, and in that relaxed state of the parts
which is induced by obstinate ones.
Camphor is commonly added to these composi-
tions; but, as it seldom incorporates properly with
water, it can be of little use. Boles and other earthy
substances, as they do not dissolve in water, are also
unfit for this purpose.
Collyrium of Alum.-Take of alum, half a drachm;
agitate it well together with the white of an egg.
This is the collyrium of Riverius. It is used in in-
flammations of the eyes, to allay heat, and restrain
COLLYRIA, OR EYE-WATERS.
369
the flux of humours. It must be spread upon linen,
and applied to the eyes; but should not be kept
above two or three hours at a time.
Vitriolic Collyrium.-Take, of white vitriol, half a
drachm; rose-water, six ounces. Dissolve the vit-
riol in the water, and filter the liquor.
This, though simple, is perhaps equal in virtue to
most of the celebrated collyria. It is a useful ap-
plication in weak, watery, and inflamed, eyes.
Though the slighter inflammations will generally
yield to it, yet, in those of a more obstinate nature,
the assistance of bleeding and blistering will be often
necessary.
When a strong astringent is judged proper, a
double or triple quantity of the vitriol may be used.
I have seen a solution of four times the strength of
the above used with manifest advantage.
Collyrium of Lead.-Take sugar of lead, and crude
sal ammoniac, of each four grains. Dissolve them
in eight ounces of common water.
Forty or fifty drops of laudanum may occasionally
be added to this collyrium.
Those who choose may substitute, instead of this,
the collyrium of lead, recommended by Goulard;
which is made by putting twenty-five drops of his
Extract of Lead to eight ounces of water, and adding
a tea-spoonful of brandy.
Indeed, common water and brandy, without any
other addition, will in many cases answer very well
as a collyrium. An ounce of the latter may be add-
ed to five or six ounces of the former; and the
eyes, if weak, bathed with it night and morning.
I have of late been troubled with a rheum in my
eyes, for which I have found great benefit, by wash-
ing them frequently with rose-water. Many ex-
perience the like good effect from anointing the eye-
lids with Smelhom's salve.
179
2A
370
CONFECTIONS, CONSERVES, &c.
CONFECTIONS.
CONFECTIONS, containing above sixty ingredients,
are still to be found in some of the most reformed
dispensatories. As most of their intentions, how-
ever, may be more certainly, and as effectually an-
swered by a few glasses of wine or grains of opium,
we shall pass over this class of medicines very
slightly.
Japonic Confection.-Take of Japan earth, three
ounces; tormentil root, nutmeg, olibanum, of each
two ounces; opium dissolved in a sufficient quantity
of Lisbon wine, a drachm and a half; simple syrup
and conserve of roses, of each, fourteen ounces.
Mix, and make them into an electuary. This sup-
plies the place of the Diascordium.
The dose of this electuary is from a scruple to a
drachm.
CONSERVES AND PRESERVES.
EVERY Apothecary's shop was formerly so full of
these preparations, that it might have passed for a
confectioner's warehouse. They possess very few
medicinal properties, and may rather be classed
ainong sweetmeats than medicines. They are some-
times, however, of use, for reducing into boluses or
pills, some of the more ponderous powders, as the
preparations of iron, mercury, and tin.
In
Conserves are compositions of fresh vegetables
and sugar beaten together into a uniform mass.
making these preparations, the leaves of vegetables
must be freed from their stalks, the flowers from
their cups, and the yellow part of orange-peel taken
off with a rasp. They are then to be pounded in a
marble mortar, with a wooden pestle, into a smooth
mass; after which, thrice their weight of fine sugar
is commonly added by degrees, and the beating con-
保
​CONSERVES AND PRESERVES.
371
tinued till they are uniformly mixed; but the con-
serve will be better if only thrice its weight of sugar
be mixed.
Those who prepare large quantities of conserves,
generally reduce the vegetables to a pulp by the
means of a mill, and afterwards beat them up with
sugar.
Conserve of Red Roses.-Take a pound of red rose-
buds, cleared of their heels; beat them well in a
mortar, and adding by degrees two pounds of double
refined sugar, in powder, make a conserve.
After the same manner are prepared the conserves
of orange-peel, rosemary flowers, sea-wormwood,
the leaves of wood-sorrel, &c.
The conserve of roses is one of the most agreeable
and useful preparations belonging to this class. A
drachm or two of it, dissolved in warm milk, is or-
dered to be given as a gentle restringent in weakness
of the stomach, and likewise in phthisical coughs,
and spitting of blood. To have any considerable
effects, however, it must be taken in large quan-
tities.
Conserve of Sloes.-This may be made by boiling
the sloes gently in water, being careful to take them
out before they burst; afterwards expressing the
juice, and beating it up with three times its weight
of fine sugar.
In relaxations of the uvula and glands of the
throat, this makes an excellent gargle, and may be
used at discretion.
Preserves are made by steeping or boiling fresh
vegetables first in water, and afterwards in syrup, or
a solution of sugar. The subject is either preserved
moist in the syrup, or taken out and dried, that the
sugar may candy on it. The last is the most useful
method.
Candied Orange-Peel-Soak Seville orange-peel in
several waters, till it loses its bitterness; then boil
372
DECOCTIONS.
it in a solution of double-refined sugar in water, till
it becomes tender and transparent.
Candied lemon-peel is prepared in the same man-
ner.
It is needless to add more of these preparations,
as they belong rather to the art of the confectioner
than to the apothecary.
DECOCTIONS.
WATER readily extracts the gummy and saline parts
of vegetables, and, though its action is chiefly con-
fined to these, yet the resinous and oily, being in-
timately blended with the gummy and saline, are in
great part taken up along with them. Hence, watery
decoctions and infusions of vegetables constitute a
large and not unuseful class of medicines. Although
most vegetables yield their virtues to water, as well
by infusion as decoction, yet the latter is often ne-
cessary, as it saves time, and does in a few minutes
what the other would require hours, and sometimes
days, to effect.
The medicines of this class are all intended for
immediate use.
Decoction of Althaa.-Take of the roots of marsh-
mallows, moderately dried, three ounces; raisins of
the sun, one ounce; water three, pints.
Boil the ingredients in the water till one third of
it is consumed; afterwards strain the decoction and
let it stand for some time to settle. If the roots be
thoroughly dried, they must be boiled till one half
of the water be consumed.
In coughs, and sharp defluxions upon the lungs,
this decoction may be used for ordinary drink.
The Common Decoction.-Take of camomile flow-
ers, one ounce; elder flowers, and sweet fennel seeds,
of each, half an ounce; water, two quarts. Boil
them for a little, and then strain the decoction.
DECOCTIONS.
373
A medicine equally good may be prepared by in-
fusing the ingredients for some hours in boiling
water.
This decoction is chiefly intended as the basis of
clysters, to which other ingredients may be occa-
sionally added. It will likewise serve as a common
fomentation, spirit of wine or other things being
added in such quantity as the case may require.
Decoction of Logwood.-Boil three ounces of the
shavings, or chips, of logwood, in four pints of water,
till one half of the liquor is wasted. Two or three
ounces of simple cinnamon-water may be added to
this decoction.
In fluxes of the belly, where the stronger astrin-
gents are improper, a tea-cupful of this decoction.
may be taken with advantage three or four times a-
day.
Decoction of the Bark.-Boil an ounce of the
Peruvian bark, grossly powdered, in a pint and a
half of water to one pint; then strain the decoction.
If a tea-spoonful of the weak spirit of vitriol be ad-
ded to this medicine, it will render it both more
agreeable and efficacious.
Compound Decoction of the Bark.-Take of Peru-
vian bark, and Virginian snake-root, grossly pow-
dered, each three drachms. Boil them in a pint of
water to one-half. To the strained liquor add an
ounce and a-half of aromatic water.
Sir John Pringle recommends this as a proper
medicine towards the decline of malignant fevers,
when the pulse is low, the voice weak, and the head
affected with a stupor, but with little delirium.
The dose is four spoousful every fourth or sixth
hour.
Decoction of Sarsaparilla.—Take of fresh sarsapar-
illa root, sliced and bruised, two ounces; shavings of
guaiacum wood, one ounce. Boil over a slow fire
in three quarts of water, to one; adding towards the
374
DECOCTIONS.
end, half an ounce of sassafras wood, and three
drachms of liquorice. Strain the decoction.
This may either be employed as an assistant to a
course of mercurial alteratives, or taken after the
mercury has been used for some time. It strength-
ens the stomach, and restores flesh and vigour to
habits emaciated by the venereal disease. It may
also be taken in the rheumatism, and cutaneous dis-
orders proceeding from foulness of the blood and
juices. For all these intentions, it is greatly
preferable to the Decoction of Woods.
This decoction may be taken, from a pint and a
half to two quarts in the day.
The following decoction is said to be similar to
that used by Kennedy, in the cure of the venereal
disease, and may supply the place of Lisbon diet-
drink.
Take of sarsaparilla, three ounces; liquorice and
mezereon root, of each, half an ounce; shavings of
guaiacum and sassafras wood, of each, one ounce;
crude antimony, powdered, an ounce and a half.
Infuse these ingredients in eight pints of boiling
water, for twenty-four hours, then boil them till one
half of the water is consumed; afterwards strain.
the decoction.
This decoction may be used in the same manner
as the preceding.
Decoction of Seneka.-Take of seneka rattle-snake
root, one ounce; water, a pint and a half. Boil to
one pint, and strain.
This decoction is recommended in the pleurisy,
dropsy, rheumatism, and some obstinate disorders
of the skin. The dose is two ounces, three or four
times a-day, or oftener, if the stomach will bear it.
White Decoction.-Take of the purest chalk, in
powder, two ounces; gum Arabic, half an ounce;
water, three pints, Boil to one quart, and strain the
decoction.
This is a proper drink in acute diseases, attended
DRAUNTS.
375
with, or inclining to, a looseness, and where acidities
abound in the stomach and bowels. It is peculiarly
proper for children when afflicted with sourness of
the stomach, and for persons who are subject to the
heartburn. It may be sweetened with sugar, as it is
used, and two or three ounces of simple cinnamon-
water added to it.
An ounce of powdered chalk, mixed with two
pints of water, will occasionally supply the place of
this decoction, and also of the chalk jalap.
DRAUGHTS.
THIS is a proper form for exhibiting such medicines.
as are intended to operate immediately, and which
do not need to be frequently repeated; as purges,
vomits, and a few others which are to be taken at
one dose. Where a medicine requires to be used
for any length of time, it is better to make up a
large quantity of it at once, which saves both trouble
and expense.
Anodyne Draught.-Take of liquid laudanum,
twenty-five drops; simple cinnamon water, an
ounce; common syrup, two drachms. Mix them.
In excessive pains, where bleeding is necessary, and
in great restlessness, this composing draught may
be taken and repeated occasionally.
Diuretic Draught. - Take of the diuretic salt, two
scruples, syrup of poppies, two drachms; simple
cinnamon water, and common water, of each an
ounce. This draught is of service in an obstruction
or deficiency of urine.
Purging Draughts.-Take of manna, an ounce;
soluble tartar, or Rochel salt, from three to four
drachms. Dissolve in three ounces of boiling water,
to which, add Jamaica pepper-water, half an ounce.
As manna sometimes will not sit upon the stom-
ach, an ounce or ten drachms of the bitter purging
salts, dissolved in four ounces of water, may be taken
instead of the above.
376
ELECTUARIES.
Those who cannot take salts may use the following
draught:
Take of jalap, in powder, a scruple; common
water, an ounce; aromatic tincture, six drachins.
Rub the jalap with twice its weight of sugar, and
add to it the other ingredients.
Sweating Draught. Take spirit of Mindererus, two
ounces; salt of hartshorn, five grains; simple cin-
namon water, and syrup of poppies, of each, half an
ounce. Mix them into a draught.
In recent colds and rheumatic complaints, this
draught is of service. To promote its effects, how-
ever, the patient ought to drink freely of warın
water gruel, or of some other weak diluting liquor.
Vomiting Draughts.-Take of ipecacuanha, in
powder, a scruple; water, an ounce; simple syrup,
a drachm. Mix them.
Persons who require a stronger vomit, may add
to the above, half a grain, or a grain, of emetic
tartar.
Those who do not choose the powder, may take
ten drops of the ipecacuanha wine; or half an ounce
of the wine, and an equal quantity of the syrup of
squills.
ELECTUARIES.
ELECTUARIES are generally composed of the lighter
powders, mixed with syrup, honey, conserve, or
inucilage, into such a consistence, that the powders
may neither separate by keeping, nor the mass
prove too stiff for swallowing. They receive chiefly
the milder alterative medicines, and such as are not
ungrateful to the palate.
Astringent electuaries, and such as have pulps of
fruit in them, should be prepared only in small
quantities; as astringent medicines lose their virtue
by being kept in this form; and the pulps of fruits
are apt to ferment,
ELECTUARIES.
377
For the extraction of pulps, it will be necessary
to boil unripe fruits, and ripe ones, if they are dried,
in a small quantity of water, till they become soft.
The pulp is then to be pressed out through a strong
hair sieve, or thin cloth, and afterwards boiled to a
due consistence, in an earthen vessel, over a gentle
fire, taking care to prevent the matter from burning,
by continually stirring it. The pulps of fruits that
are both ripe and fresh may be pressed out without
any previous boiling.
Lenitive Electuary.-Take of senna, in fine powder,
eight ounces; coriander seed, also in powder, four
ounces; pulp of tamarinds and of French prunes,
each, a pound; mix the pulp and powders together,
and, with a sufficient quantity of simple syrup, re-
duce the whole into an electuary.-A tea-spoonful
of this electuary, taken two or three times a-day,
generally proves an agreeable laxative. It likewise
serves as a convenient vehicle for exhibiting more
active medicines, as jalap, scammony, and such
like.
This may supply the place of the electuary of
Cassia.
Electuary for the Dysentery.-Take of the Japonic
confection, two ounces; Locatelli's balsam, one
ounce; rhubarb, in powder, half an ounce; syrup
of marshmallows, enough to make an electuary.
It is often dangerous in dysenteries to give opiates
and astringents, without interposing purgatives.
The purgative is here joined with these ingredients,
which renders this a very safe and useful medicine
for the purposes expressed in the title. About the
bulk of a nutmeg should be taken twice or thrice
a-day, as the symptoms and constitution may re-
quire.
Electuary for the Epilepsy.-Take of Peruvian bark,
in powder, an ounce; of powdered tin, and wild
valerian root, each, half an ounce; simple syrup,
enough to make an electuary.
378
ELECTUARIES.
Dr. Mead directs a drachm of an electuary simi-
lar to this, to be taken evening and morning in the
epilepsy, for the space of three months. It will be
proper, however, to discontinue the use of it for the
space of a few days, every now and then. I have
added the powdered tin, because the epilepsy often
proceeds from worms.
Electuary for the Gonorrhoea.-Take of lenitive
electuary, three ounces: jalap and rhubarb, in
powder, of each, two drachms; nitre, half an ounce ;
simple syrup, enough to make an electuary.
During the inflammation and tension of the urin-
ary passages, which accompany a virulent gonorr-
hoea, this cooling laxative may be used with advan-
tage.
The dose is a drachm, or about the size of a nut-
meg, two or three times a-day, more or less as may
be necessary to keep the body gently open.
An electuary made of cream of tartar and simple
syrup will occasionally supply the place of this.
After the inflammation is gone off, the following
electuary may be used:
Take of lenitive elcctuary, two ounces; balsam
of capivi, one ounce; gum guaiacum and rhubarb,
in powder, of each, two drachms; simple syrup,
cnough to make an electuary. The dose is the same
as of the preceding.
Electuary of the Bark.-Take of Peruvian bark, in
powder, three ounces; cascarilla, half an ounce;
syrup of ginger, enough to make an electuary.
In the cure of obstinate intermitting fevers, the
bark is assisted by the cascarilla. In hectic habits,
however, it will be better to leave out the cascarilla,
and put three drachms of crude sal ammoniac in its
stead,
Electuary for the Piles. -Take flower of sulphur,
one ounce; cream of tartar, half an ounce; treacle, a
sufficient quantity to form an electuary.
EMULSIONS.
379
A tea-spoonful of this may be taken three or four
times a-day.
Electuary for the Palsy.-Take of powdered mus-
tard-seed and conserve of roses, each, an ounce; sy-
rup of ginger, enough to make an electuary.
A tea-spoonful of this may be taken three or four
times a-day.
Electuary for the Rheumatism.-Take of conserve
of roses, two ounces; cinnabar of antimony, levigat-
ed, an ounce and a half; gum guaiacum, in powder,
an ounce; syrup of ginger, a sufficient quantity to
make an electuary.
In obstinate rheumatisms, which are not accom-
panied with a fever, a tea-spoonful of this electuary
may be taken twice a-day with considerable advan-
tage.
EMULSIONS.
EMULSIONS, besides their use as medicines, are also
proper vehicles for certain substances, which could
not otherwise be conveniently taken in a liquid form.
Thus, camphor, triturated with almonds, readily
unites with water into an emulsion. Pure oils, bal-
sams, resins, and other similar substances, are like-
wise rendered miscible with water, by the interven-
tion of mucilages.
Common Emulsion.-Take of sweet almonds, an
ounce; bitter almonds, a drachm; water, two pints.
Let the almonds be blanched, and beat up in a mor-
tar; adding the water by little and little, so as to
make an emulsion: afterwards let it be strained.
Arabic Emulsion.—This is made in the same man-
ner as the above, adding to the almonds, while beat-
ing, two ounces and a half of the mucilage of gum
Arabic. Where soft cooling liquors are necessary,
these emulsions may be used as ordinary drink.
Camphorated Emulsion.-Take of camphor, half a
drachin; sweet alinonds, half a dozen; white sugar,
380
EXTRACTS.
half an ounce; mint water, eight ounces. Grind
the camphor and almonds well together in a stone
mortar, and add by degrees the mint water; then
strain the liquor, and dissolve in it the sugar. In fe-
vers, and other disorders which require the use of
camphor, a table-spoonful of this may be taken eve-
ry two or three hours.
Emulsion of Gum Ammoniac.-Take of gum am-
moniac, two drachms; water, eight ounces. Grind
the gum with the water poured upon it by little and
little, till it is dissolved. This emulsion is used for
attenuating tough and viscid phlegm, and promot-
ing expectoration. In obstinate coughs, two ounces
of the syrup of poppies may be added to it. The
dose is two table-spoonsful three or four times a-
day.
Oily Emulsion.-Take of soft water, six ounces;
volatile aromatic spirit, two drachms; Florence oil,
an ounce; shake them well together, and add of
simple syrup half an ounce.
In recent colds and coughs, this emulsion is gen-
erally of service; but if the cough proves obstinate,
it will succeed better when made with the paregoric
elixir of the Edinburgh Dispensatory, instead of the
volatile aromatic spirit. A table-spoonful of it may
be taken every two or three hours.
EXTRACTS.
EXTRACTS are prepared by boiling the subject in
water, and evaporating the strained decoction to a
due consistence. By this process some of the more
active parts of plants are freed from the useless, in-
dissoluble earthy matter, which makes the larger
share of their bulk. Water, however, is not the on-
ly menstruum used in the preparation of extracts:
sometimes it is joined with spirits, and at other
times rectified spirits alone are used for that pur-
pose.
FOMENTATIONS.
381
Extracts are prepared from a variety of different
drugs, as the bark, gentian, jalap, &c.; but, as they
require a troublesome and tedious operation, it will
be more convenient for a private practitioner to
purchase what he needs of them from a professed
druggist, than to prepare them himself. Such of
them as are generally used, are inserted in our list
of such medicines as are to be kept for private prac-
tice.
FOMENTATIONS.
FOMENTATIONS are generally intended either to ease
pain, by taking off tension and spasm; or to brace
and restore the tone and vigour of those parts to
which they are applied. The first of these inten-
tions may generally be answered by warm water,
and the second by cold. Certain substances, how-
ever, are usually added to water, with a view to
heighten its effects, as anodynes, aromatics, and
astringents, &c. We shall therefore subjoin a few
of the most useful medicated fomentations, that peo-
ple may have it in their power to make use of them
as they choose.
Anodyne Fomentation.-Take of white poppy-heads
two ounces; elder-flowers, half an ounce; water,
three pints. Boil till one pint is evaporated, and
strain out the liquor.-This fomentation, as its title
expresses, is used for relieving acute pain.
Aromatic Fomentation.-Take of Jamaica pepper,
half an ounce; red wine, a pint. Boil them for a lit
tle, and then strain the liquor.
This is intended, not only as a topical applica-
tion for external complaints, but also for relieving
the internal parts. Pains of the bowels, which ac-
company dysenteries and diarrhoeas, flatulent colics,
uneasiness of the stomach, and retchings to vomit,
are frequently abated by bathing the abdomen and
region of the stomach with the warm liquor.
382
GARGLES.
Common Fomentation.-Take tops of wormwood
and camomile flowers, dried, of each, two ounces;
water, two quarts. After a slight boiling, pour off
the liquor.-Brandy or spirits of wine may be added
to this fomentation, in such quantity as the particu-
lar circumstance of the case shall require; but these
are not always necessary.
Emollient Fomentation.-This is the same as the
common decoction.
Strengthening Fomentation.-Take of oak bark,
one ounce; granate-peel, half an ounce; alum, two
drachms; smith's forge water, three pints. Boil the
water with the bark and peel to the consumption of
one third; then strain the remaining decoction, and
dissolve in it the alum.-This astringent liquor is
employed as an external fomentation to weak parts;
it may also be used internally.
GARGLES.
HOWEVER trifling this class of medicines may ap-
pear, they are by no means without their use. They
seldom indeed cure diseases, but they often allevi-
ate very disagreeable symptoms; as parchedness of
the mouth, foulness of the tongue and fauces, &c.
They are peculiarly useful in fevers and sore throats.
In the latter, a gargle will sometimes remove the dis-
order; and in the former, few things are more re-
freshing or agreeable to the patient, than to have his
mouth washed with some soft detergent gargle.
One advantage of these medicines is, that they are
easily prepared. A little barley-water and honey
may be had anywhere; and if to these be added as
much vinegar as will give them an agreeable sharp-
ness, they will make a very useful gargle for soft-
ening and cleansing the mouth.
Gargles have the best effect when injected with a
syringe.
Attenuating Gargle.-Take of water, six ounces;
GARGLES.
303
honey, one ounce; nitre, a drachm and a half. Mix
them. This cooling gargle may be used either in
the inflammatory quinsey, or in fevers, for cleans-
ing the tongue and fauces.
Common Gargle.-Take of rose-water, six ounces;
syrup of clove July-flowers, half an ounce; spirit of
vitriol, a sufficient quantity to give it an agreeable
sharpness. Mix thểm.
This gargle, besides cleansing the tongue and fau-
ces, acts as a gentle repellent, and will sometimes
remove a slight quinsey.
Detergent Gargle.-Take of the emollient gargle,
a pint; tincture of myrrh, an ounce; honey, two
ounces. Mix them. When exulcerations require
to be cleansed, or the execretion of tough, viscid sa-
liva promoted, this gargle will be of service.
Emollient Gargle.-Take an ounce of marshmallow
roots, and two or three figs; boil them in a quart of
water till near one half of it be consumed, then strain
out the liquor.
If an ounce of honey, and half an ounce of spirit
of sal ammoniac, be added to the above, it will be an
exceeding good attenuating gargle.
This gargle is beneficial in fevers, where the tongue
and fauces are rough and parched, to soften these
parts, and promote the discharge of saliva.
The learned and accurate Sir John Pringle ob-
serves, that in the inflammatory quinsey, or stran-
gulation of the fauces, little benefit arises from the
common gargles; that such as are of an acid nature
do more harm than good, by contracting the emunc-
tories of the saliva and mucus, and thickening those
humours; that a decoction of figs in milk and wa-
ter has a contrary effect, especially if some sal am-
moniac be added; by which the saliva is made
thinner, and the glands are brought to secrete more
freely; a circumstance always conducive to the
cure.
384
INFUSIONS.
INFUSIONS.
VEGETABLES yield nearly the same properties to wà-
ter by infusion as by decoction; and, though they
may require a longer time to give out their virtues
in this way, yet it has several advantages over the
other; since boiling is found to dissipate the finer
parts of many bitter and aromatic substances, with-
out more fully extracting their medicinal princi-
ples.
The author of the New Dispensatory observes,
that even from those vegetables which are weak in
virtue, rich infusions may be obtained, by returning
the liquor upon fresh quantities of the subject, the
water loading itself more and more with the active
parts; and that these loaded infusions are applica-
ble to valuable purposes in medicine, as they con-
tain, in a small compass, the finer, more subtle, and
active principles of vegetables, in a form readily
miscible with the fluids of the human body.
Bitter Infusion.-Take, tops of the lesser centaury
and camomile flowers, of each, half an ounce; yel-
low rind of lemon and orange-peel, carefully freed
from the inner white part, of each, two drachms.
Cut them in small pieces, and infuse them in a quart
of boiling water.
For indigestion, weakness of the stomach, or a
want of appetite, a tea-cupful of this infusion may
be taken twice or thrice a-day.
Infusion of the Bark.-To an ounce of the bark, in
powder, add four or five table-spoonsful of brandy,
and a pint of boiling water. Let them infuse for
two or three days.-This is one of the best prepara-
tions of the bark for weak stomachs. In disorders
where the corroborating virtues of that medicine are
required, a tea-cupful of it may be taken two or
three times a-day.
Infusion of Carduus.-Infuse an ounce of the dried
INFUSIONS.
385
leaves of carduus benedictus, or blessed thistle, in a
pint of common water, for six hours, without heat;
then filter the liquor through paper.
This light infusion may be given with great bene-
fit, in weakness of the stomach, where the common
bitters do not agree. It may be flavoured, at plea-
sure, with cinnamon, or other aromatic materials.
Infusion of linseed.-Take, of linseed, twospoonsful;
liquorice-root, sliced, half an ounce; boiling water,
three pints. Let them stand to infuse by the fire
for some hours, and then strain off the liquor.
If an ounce of the leaves of coltsfoot be added to
these ingredients, it will then be the Pectoral Infu-
sion. Both these are emollient, mucilaginous liquors,
and may be taken with advantage as ordinary drink,
in difficulty of making water, and in coughs and
other complaints of the breast.
Infusion of Roses.-Take, of red roses, dried, half
an ounce; boiling water, a quart; vitriolic acid,
commonly called oil of vitriol, half a drachm; loaf
sugar, an ounce.
+
Infuse the roses in the water for four hours, in an
unglazed earthen vessel; afterwards pour in the
acid, and, having strained the liquor, add to it the
sugar.
In an excessive flow of the menses, vomiting of
blood, and other hæmorrhages, a tea-cupful of this
gently astringent infusion may be taken every three
or four hours. It likewise makes an exceeding good
gargle.
As the quantity of roses used here can have little
or no effect, an equally valuable medicine may be
prepared by mixing the acid and water without in-
fusion.
Infusion of Tamarinds and Senna.-Take, of Tama-
rinds, one ounce; senna and crystals of tartar, each,
two drachms. Let these ingredients be infused four
or five hours, in a pint of boiling water; afterwards
let the liquor be strained, and an ounce or two of
2 B
386
JULAPS.
the aromatic tincture added to it. Persons who are
easily purged may leave out either the tamarinds or
the crystals of tartar. This is an agreeable, cooling
purge. A tea-cupful may be given every half-hour
till it operates.
This supplies the place of the Decoction of Tama-
rinds and Senna.
Spanish Infusion.-Take, of Spanish juice, cut into
small pieces, an ounce; salt of tartar, three drachms.
Infuse in a quart of boiling water for a night. To
the strained liquor add an ounce and a half of syrup
of poppies. In recent colds, coughs, and obstruc-
tions of the breast, a tea-cupful of this infusion
may be taken with advantage three or four times a-
day.
Infusion for the Palsy.-Take, of horse-radish root,
shaved, mustard seed, bruised, each, four ounces;
outer rind of orange-peel, one ounce. Infuse them
in two quarts of boiling water, in a close vessel, for
twenty-four hours.
In paralytic complaints, a tea-cupful of this warm
stimulating medicine may be taken three or four
times a-day. It excites the action of the solids,
proves diuretic, and, if the patient be kept warm,
promotes perspiration.
If two or three ounces of the dried leaves of
marsh trefoil be used instead of the mustard, it will
make the Antiscorbutic Infusion.
JULAPS.
THE basis of Julaps is generally common water, or
some simple distilled water, with one-third or one-
fourth its quantity of distilled spirituous water, and
as much sugar or syrup as is sufficient to render
the mixture agreeable. This is sharpened with ve-
getable or mineral acids, or impregnated with other
medicines suitable to the intention.
Camphorated Julap.-Take of camphor, one drachm ;
JULAPS.
887
rectified spirit of wine, ten drops; double-refined
sugar, half an ounce; boiling distilled water, one
pint. Rub the camphor first with the spirit of wine,
then with the sugar; lastly, add the water, by de-
grees, and strain the liquor.
In hysterical and other complaints, where cam-
phor is proper, this julap may be taken in the dose
of a spoonful or two, as often as the stomach will
bear it.
Cordial Julap.-Take of simple cinnamon water,
four ounces; Jamaica pepper-water, two ounces;
volatile aromatic spirit, and compound spirit of la-
vender, of each, two drachms; syrup of orange-peel,
an ounce. Mix them. This is given in the dose of
two spoonsful three or four times a-day, in disorders
accompanied with weakness and depression of spi-
rits.
Expectorating Julap.-Take of the emulsion of
gum ammoniac, six ounces; syrup of squills, two
ounces. Mix them.
In coughs, asthmas, and obstructions of the breast,
two table-spoonsful of the julap may be taken every
three or four hours.
Musk Julap.-Rub half a drachm of musk well
together with half an ounce of sugar, and add to it,
gradually, of simple cinnamon and peppermint-wa-
ter, each, two ounces; of the volatile aromatic spirit,
two drachms.
In the low state of nervous fevers, hiccuping, con-
vulsions, and other spasmodic affections, two table-
spoonsful of this julap may be taken every two or
three hours.
Saline Julap.-Dissolve two drachms of salt of tar-
tar in three ounces of fresh lemon-juice, strained;
when the effervescence is over, add, of mint-water
and common water, each, two ounces; of simple sy-
rup, one ounce.-This removes sickness at the sto-
mach, relieves vomiting, promotes perspiration, and
338
MIXTURES.
may be of some service in fevers, especially of the
inflammatory kind.
Vomiting Julap.-Dissolve four grains of emetic
tartar in eight ounces of water, and add to it half an
ounce of the syrup of clove July flowers.-In the
beginning of fevers, where there is no topical inflam-
mation, this julap may be given in the dose of one
table-spoonful every quarter of an hour till it oper-
ates. Antimonial vomits serve not only to evacu-
ate the contents of the stomach, but likewise to pro-
mote the different secretions. Hence they are found
in fevers, to have nearly the same effects as Dr.
James's Powder.
MIXTURES.
A MIXTURE differs from a julap in this respect, that
it receives into its composition not only salts, ex-
tracts, and other substances dissoluble in water, but
also earths, powders, and such substances as cannot
De dissolved. A mixture is seldom either an ele-
gant or an agreeable medicine. It is nevertheless
necessary. Many persons can take a mixture, who
are not able to swallow a bolus or an electuary; be-
sides, there are medicines which act better in this
than in any other form.
Astringent Mixture.-Take simple cinnamon-
water, and common water, of each, three ounces;
spirituous cinnamon-water, an ounce and a half;
Japonic confection, half an ounce. Mix them.
In dysenteries, which are not of long standing, af-
ter the necessary evacuations, a spoonful or two of
this mixture may be taken every four hours, inter-
posing, every second or third day, a dose of rhubarb.
The Astringent Mixture, which I have lately made
use of with great success, is prepared thus:
Take powder of bole with opium, two drachms
cinnamon-water and penny-rejal water of cach, three
MIXTURES.
389
ounces; spirituous cinnamon-water, six drachms;
simple syrup, one ounce. Mix them, and take a
table-spoonful four or five times a-day.
Diuretic Mixture.-Take of mint-water, five ounces;
vinegar of squills, six drachms; sweet spirit of
nitre, half an ounce; syrup of ginger, an ounce and
a half. Mix them.
In obstructions of the urinary passages, two
spoonsful of this mixture may be taken twice or
thrice a-day.
Laxative Absorbent Mixture.-Rub one drachm of
magnesia alba in a mortar with ten or twelve grains
of the best Turkey rhubarb, and add to them three
ounces of common water; simple cinnamon-water,
and syrup of sugar, of each, one ounce.-As most
diseases of infants are accompanied with acidities,
this mixture may either be given with a view to cor-
rect these, or to open the body. A table-spoonful
may be taken for a dose, and repeated three times
a-day. To a very young child, half a spoonful will
be sufficient.
When the mixture is intended to purge, the dose
may either be increased, or the quantity of rhubarb
doubled.
This is one of the most generally useful medicines
for children with which I am acquainted.
Saline Mixture.-Dissolve a drachm of the salt of
tartar in four ounces of boiling water; and, when
cold, drop into it spirit of vitriol till the efferves-
cence ceases; then add, of peppermint-water, two
ounces; simple syrup, one ounce.
Where fresh lemons cannot be had, this mixture
may occasionally supply the place of the saline
julap.
Squill Mixture.-Take of simple cinnamon-water,
five ounces; vinegar of squills, one ounce; syrup
of marshmallows, an ounce and a half. Mix them.
This mixture, by promoting expectoration and the
300
OINTMENTS, LINIMENTS, &c.
secretion of urine, proves serviceable in asthmatic
and dropsical habits. A table-spoonful of it may
be taken frequently.
OINTMENTS, LINIMENTS, AND
CERATES.
NOTWITHSTANDING the extravagant encomiums
which have been bestowed on different preparations
of this kind, with regard to their efficacy in the cure
of wounds, sores, &c., it is beyond a doubt that the
most proper application to a green wound is dry
lint. But though ointments do not heal wounds
and sores, yet they serve to defend them from the
external air, and to retain such substances as may
be necessary for drying, deterging, destroying proud
flesh, and such like. For these purposes, however,
it will be sufficient to mention only a few of the
most simple forms, as ingredients of a more active
nature can occasionally be added to them.
Yellow Basilicum Ointment.-Take of yellow wax,
white resin, and frankincense, each, a quarter of a
pound; melt them together over a gentle fire, then
add, of hogslard, prepared, one pound. Strain the
ointment while warm.-This ointment, is employed.
for cleansing and healing wounds and ulcers.
Ointment of Calamine.-Take of olive oil, a pint
and a half; white wax, and calamine stone, levigated,
of each, half a pound. Let the calamine stone, reduc-
ed into a fine powder, be rubbed with some part of
the oil, and afterwards added to the rest of the oil
and wax previously melted together, continually
stirring them till quite cold. This ointment, which
is commonly known by the name of Turner's Cerate,
is an exceeding good application in burns and
excoriations, from whatever cause.
Emollient Ointment.-Take of palm oil, two pounds;
olive oil, a pint and a half; yellow wax, half a
pound; Venice turpentine, a quarter of a pound.
OINTMENTS, LINIMENTS, &c.
391
Melt the wax in the oils, over a gentle fire; then
mix in the turpentine, and strain the ointment.
This supplies the place of Althaea Ointment.
may be used for anointing inflamed parts, &c.
It
Eye Ointment.-Take of hogslard, prepared, four
ounces; white wax, two drachms; tutty, prepared,
one ounce; melt the wax with the lard over a gentle
fire, and then sprinkle in the tutty, continually stir-
ring them till the ointment is cold.-This ointment
will be more efficacious, and of a better consistence,
if two or three drachms of camphor be rubbed up
with a little oil, and intimately mixed with it.
Another.-Take of camphor and calamine stone le-
vigated, each, six drachms; verdigrise, well prepar-
ed, two drachms; hogslard and mutton suet, pre-
pared, of each, two ounces. Rub the camphor well
on with the powder; afterwards mix in the lard and
suet, continuing the triture till they be perfectly
united. This ointment has been long in esteem for
disease of the eyes. It ought, however, to be used
with caution, when the eyes are inflamed or very
tender.
Issue Ointment.-Mix half an ounce of Spanish
flies, finely powdered, in six ounces of yellow basi-
licum ointment. This ointment is chiefly intended
for dressing blisters, in order to keep then open dur-
ing pleasure.
Ointment of Lead.-Take of olive oil, half a pint;
white wax, two ounces; sugar of lead, three drachms.
Let the sugar of lead, reduced into a fine powder, be
rubbed up with some part of the oil, and afterwards
continually stirring them till quite cold.-This cool-
ing and gently astringent ointment may be used
in all cases where the intention is to dry and skin
over the part, as in scalding, &c.
Mercurial Ointment.-Take of quicksilver, two
ounces; hogslard, three ounces; mutton suet, one
ounce. Rub the quicksilver with an ounce of the
hogslard in a warm mortar, till the globules be per-
392
OINTMENTS, LINIMENTS, &c.
fectly extinguished; then rub it up with the rest of
the lard and suet, previously melted together.
The principal intention of this ointment is to con-
vey mercury into the body by being rubbed upon
the skin.
Ointment of Sulphur.-Take of hogslard, prepared,
four ounces; flowers of sulphur, an ounce and a
half; crude sal ammoniac, two drachms; essence of
lemon, ten or twelve drops. Make them into an
ointment. This ointment rubbed upon the parts af-
fected, will generally cure the itch. It is both the
safest and best application for that purpose, and,
when made in this way, has no disagreeable smell.
Ointment for Diseases of the Skin.-Take of the
ointment commonly called unguentum citrinum, a
drachm and a half; flower of brimstone and powder
of hellebore, of each, an ounce; hogslard, three oun-
ces essence of lemon, or oil of thyme, from twenty
to thirty drops, to correct the offensiveness of the
smell. Make them into an ointinent.-I have not
only known many ordinary affections of the skin
cured by this ointment, but even some of a very
malignant nature, and approaching to leprosy.
White Ointment.-Take of olive oil, one pint;
white wax and spermaceti, of each, three ounces.
Melt them with a gentle heat, and keep them con-
stantly and briskly stirring together, till quite cold.
If two drachms of camphor, previously rubbed with
a small quantity of oil, be added to the above, it
will make the White Camphorated Ointment.
Liniment for Burns..-Take equal parts of Florence
oil, or fresh-drawn linseed oil, and liine-water; shake
them well together in a wide-mouthed bottle, so as
to form a liniment.-This is found to be an exceed-
ing proper application for recent scalds or burns.
It may either be spread upon a cloth, or the parts
affected may be anointed with it twice or thrice a-
day.
White Liniment. This is made in the same man-
PILLS.
393
ner as the white ointment, two-thirds of the wax be-
ing left out. This liniment may be applied in cas-
es of excoriation, where, on account of the largeness
of the surface, the ointments with lead or calamine
might be improper.
Liniment for the Piles.-Take of emollient oint-
ment, two ounces; liquid laudanum, half an ounce.
Mix these ingredients with the yolk of an egg, and
work them well together.
Volatile Liniment.-Take of Florence oil, an ounce;
spirit of hartshorn, half an ounce. Shake them to-
gether. This liniment, made with equal parts of
the spirit and oil, will be more efficacious where the
patient's skin is able to bear it.
Sir John Pringle observes, that, in the inflamma
tory quinsey, a piece of flannel moistened with this
liniment and applied to the throat, to be renewed
every four or five hours, is one of the most effica-
cious remedies; and that it seldom fails, after bleed-
ing, either to lessen or carry off the complaint.
The truth of this observation I have often expe-
rienced.
Camphorated Oil.-Rub an ounce of camphor,
with two ounces of Florence oil, in a mortar, till the
camphor be entirely dissolved.
This antispasmodic liniment may be used in ob
stinate rheumatisms, and some other cases accom-
panied with extreme pain and tension of the parts.
PILLS.
MEDICINES which operate in a small dose, and whose
disagreeable taste or smell make it necessary that
they should be concealed from the palate, are most
commodiously exhibited in this form. No medi-
cine, however, that is intended to operate quickly,
ought to be made into pills, as they often lie a con-
siderable time on the stomach before they are dis-
solved, so as to produce any effect.
卓
​394
PILLS.
As the ingredients which enter the composition of
pills are generally so contrived that one pill of an
ordinary size may contain about five grains of the
compound, in mentioning the dose we shall only
specify the number of pills to be taken; as one, two,
three, &c.
Composing Pill.-Take of purified opium, ten
grains; Castile soap, half a drachm. Beat them to-
gether, and form the whole into twenty pills.-When
a quieting draught will not sit upon the stomach,
one, two, or three of these pills, may be taken, as
occasion requires.
Deobstruent Pill.-Take salt of steel; succotrine
aloes; myrrh, in powder; of each, a drachm. Make
into forty pills, of which two are to be taken even-
ing and morning.
I have found these pills of excellent service in
obstructions of the menses. The late Dr. Watkinson
made it his dying request, that I would insert this
prescription in the Domestic Medicine,' which he
said would be immortal, and that 'his soul panted
for immortality.'
Fotid Pill.-Take of assafoetida, half an ounce;
simple syrup, as much as is necessary to form it into
pills. In hysteric complaints, four or five pills of
an ordinary size may be taken twice or thrice a-day.
They may likewise be of service to persons afflicted
with the asthma.
When it is necessary to keep the body open, a
proper quantity of rhubarb, aloes, orjalap, may oc-
casionally be added to the above mass.
Hemlock Pill.-Take any quantity of the ex-
tract of hemlock, and, adding to it about a fifth part
its weight of the powder of the dried leaves, forin it
into pills of the ordinary size.
The extract of hemlock may be taken from one
grain to several drachms in the day. The best
method, however, of using these pills, is to begin
with one or two, and to increase the dose gradually,
PILLS.
395
as far as the patient can bear them, without any re-
markable degree of stupor or giddiness.
Mercurial Pill.-Take of purified quicksilver and
honey, each, half an ounce. Rub them together in
a mortar, till the globules of mercury are perfectly
extinguished; then add, of Castile soap, two
drachms; powdered liquorice, or crumb of bread, a
sufficient quantity to give the mass a proper con-
sistence for pills. When stronger mercurial pills
are wanted, the quantity of quicksilver may be
doubled.
The dose of these pills is different according to
the intention with which they are given. As an al-
terant, two or three may be taken daily. To raise
a salivation, four or five will be necessary.
Equal parts of the above pill and powdered rhu-
barb made into a mass, with a sufficient quantity
of simple syrup, will make a Mercurial Purging
Pill.
Mercurial Sublimate Pill.-Dissolve fifteen grains
of the corrosive sublimate of mercury, in two drachms
of the saturated solution of crude sal ammoniac, and
make it into a paste, in a glass mortar, with a suf-
ficient quantity of the crumb of bread. This mass
must be formed into one hundred and twenty pills.
This pill, which is the most agreeable form of ex-
hibiting the sublimate, has been found efficacious,
not only in curing the venereal disease, but also
in killing and expelling the worms, after other pow-
erful medicines had failed.
For the venereal disease, four of these pills may
be taken twice a-day; as an alterant, three, and, for
worms, two.
Plumber's Pill-Take of calomel, or sweet mer-
cury, and precipitated sulphur of antimony, each,
three drachms; extract of liquorice, two drachms.
Rub the sulphur and mercury well together; after-
wards add the extract, and, with a sufficient quantity
of the mucilage of gum Arabic, make them into pills.
396
PILLS.
This pill has been found a powerful, yet safe, al-
terative in obstinate cutaneous disorders; and has
completed a cure, after salivation had failed. In
venereal cases it has likewise produced excellent
effects. Two or three pills of an ordinary size may
be taken night and morning, the patient keeping
moderately warm, and drinking, after each dose, a
draught of decoction of the woods, or of sarsaparilla.
Purging Pills.-Take of succotrine aloes and Cas-
tile soap, each, two drachms; of simple syrup, a
sufficient quantity to make them into pills.
Four or five of these pills will generally prove a
sufficient purge, For keeping the body gently
open, one may be taken night and morning. They
are reckoned both deobstruent and stomachic, and
will be found to answer all the purposes of Dr. An-
derson's pills, the principal ingredient of which is
aloes.
Where aloetic purges are improper, the following
pills may be used: Take extract of jalap and vit-
riolated tartar, of each, two drachms; syrup of gin-
ger, as much as will make them of a proper consist-
ence for pills.
These pills may be taken in the same quantity as
the above.
Pills for the Bile.-Take gum pill and colocynth
pill, each, a drachm. Beat them together, and make
the mass into thirty pills.
In bilious and nervous patients, where it was ne-
cessary to keep the body gently open, I have found
these pills answer the purpose extremely well. I
generally give one over-night and another next
morning, once or twice a-week. But the dose must
be regulated by the effect.
Pill for the Jaundice.-Take of Castile soap, suc-
cotrine aloes, and rhubarb, of each, one drachm.
Make them into pills, with a sufficient quantity of
syrup or mucilage. These pills, as their title ex-
presses, are chiefly intended for the jaundice, which,
PLASTERS.
397
with the assistance of proper diet, they will often
cure. Five or six of them may be taken twice a-day,
more or less, as is necessary to keep the body gent-
ly open. It will be proper, however, during their
use, to interpose now and then a vomit of ipeca-
cuanha or tartar emetic.
Stomachic Pill.-Take extract of gentian, two
drachms; powdered rhubarb and vitriolated tartar,
of each, one drachm; oil of mint, thirty drops;
simple syrup, a sufficient quantity. Three or four
of these pills may be taken twice a-day, for invig-
orating the stomach, and keeping the body gently
open.
Squill Pills.-Take powder of dried squills, a
drachm and a half; gum ammoniac, and cardamom
seeds, in powder, of each, three drachms; syrup, a
sufficient quantity. In dropsical and asthmatic
complaints, two or three of these pills may be taken.
twice a-day, or oftener if the stomach will bear them.
Strengthening Pills.-Take soft extract of the bark
and salt of steel, each, a drachm. Make into pills.
In disorders arising from excessive debility or re-
laxation of the solids, as the chlorosis, or green
sickness, two of these pills may be taken three times
a-day.
PLASTERS.
PLASTERS ought to be of a different consistence, ac-
cording to the purposes for which they are intended.
Such as are to be applied to the breasts or stomach,
ought to be soft and yielding; while those designed
for the limbs should be firm and adhesive.
It has been supposed, that plasters might be im-
pregnated with the virtues of different vegetables,
by boiling the recent vegetable with the oil employed
for the composition of the plaster; but this treat-
ment does not communicate to the oils any valuable
qualities.
398
PLASTERS.
The calces of lead boiled with oils unite with them
into a plaster of a proper consistence, which makes
the basis of several other plasters. In boiling these
compositions, a quantity of hot water must be added
from time to time, to prevent the plaster from burn-
ing or growing black. This, however, should be
done with care, lest it cause the matter to explode.
Common Plaster.-Take of common olive oil, six
pints; litharge, reduced to a fine powder, two pounds
and a half. Boil the litharge and oil together over a
gentle fire, continually stirring them, but keeping
always about half a gallon of water in the vessel;
after they have boiled about three hours, a little of
the plaster may be taken out and put into cold water,
to try if it be of a proper consistence: when that is
the case, the whole may be suffered to cool, and the
water well pressed out of it with the hands.
This plaster is generally applied in slight wounds
and excoriations of the skin. It keeps the part soft
and warm, and defends it from the air, which is all
that is necessary in such cases. Its principal use,
however, is to serve as a basis for other plasters.
Adhesive Plaster.-Take of common plaster, half
a pound; of Burgundy Pitch, a quarter of a pound.
Melt them together.
This plaster is principally used for keeping on
other dressings.
Anodyne Plaster.-Melt an ounce of adhesive
plaster, and, when it is cooling, mix with it a drachm
of powdered opium, and the same quantity of cam-
phor, previously rubbed up with a little oil.
This plaster generally gives ease in acute pains,
especially of the nervous kind.
Blistering Rlaster.-Take of Venice turpentine,
six ounces; yellow wax, two ounces; Spanish flies,
in fine powder, three ounces; powdered mustard,
one ounce. Melt the wax, and, when it is warrn, add
to it the turpentine, taking care not to evaporate it
by too much heat. After the turpentine and wax
FLASTERS,
399
are sufficiently incorporated, sprinkle in the pow-
ders, continually stirring the mass till it be cold.
Though this plaster is made in a variety of ways,
one seldom meets with it of a proper consistence.
When compounded with oils and other greasy sub-
stances, its effects are blunted, and it is apt to run;
while pitch and resin render it too hard, and very
inconvenient.
When the blistering plaster is not at hand, its place
may be supplied by mixing with any soft ointment
a sufficient quantity of powdered flies; or by form-
ing them into a paste with flour and vinegar.
Blistering plasters prove highly disagreeable to
many people, by occasioning stranguary. I have
therefore of late used a plaster in which a small quan-
tity of blistering salve has been mixed with the Bur-
gundy pitch plaster. I lay it over the part affected,
and suffer it to remain as long as it will stick. The
blistering plaster loses its effect in a few hours;
whereas this will act for many days, or even weeks,
and seldom fails to remove pain or slight obstruc-
tions.
Gum Plaster.-Take of the common plaster, four
pounds; gum ammoniac and galbanum, strained, of
each, half a pound. Melt them together, and add of
Venice turpentine, six ounces. This plaster is used
as a digestive, and likewise for discussing indolent
tumours.
Mercurial Plaster.-Take of the common plaster,
one pound; of gum ammoniac, strained, half a
pound. Melt them together, and, when cooling,
add eight ounces of quicksilver, previously extin-
guished by triture, with three ounces of hogslard.
This plaster is recommended in pains of the limbs
arising from a venereal cause. Indurations of the
glands, and other indolent tumours, are likewise
found sometimes to yield to it.
Stomach Plaster.-Take of gum plaster, half a
pound; camphorated oil, an ounce and a half; black
400
POULTICES.
pepper, or capsicum, where it can be had, one ounce.
Melt the plaster, and mix with it the oil; then
sprinkle in the pepper, previously reduced to a fine
powder.
An ounce or two of this plaster, spread upon soft
leather and applied to the region of the stomach,
will be of service in flatulencies arising from hys-
teric and hypochondriac affections. A little of the
expressed oil of mace, or a few drops of the essential
oil of mint, may be rubbed upon it before it is ap-
plied.
This may supply the place of the Antihysteric
Blaster.
Warm Plaster.-Take of gum plaster, one ounce;
blistering plaster, two drachms. Melt them together,
over a gentle fire.
This plaster is useful in the sciatica and other
fixed pains of the rheumatic kind; it ought, how-
ever, to be worn for some time, and to be renewed
at least once a-week. If this be found to blister the
part, which is sometimes the case, it must be made.
with a smaller proportion of the blistering.
Wax Plaster-Take of yellow wax, one pound;
white resin, half a pound; mutton suet, three
quarters of a pound. Melt them together.
This is generally used instead of the Melilot Plas-
ter. It is a proper application after blisters, and in
other cases where a gentle digestive is necessary.
POULTICES.
THROUGH Some oversight, this article was omitted
in the earlier editions, though it relates to a class of
medicines by no means unimportant. Poultices
are often beneficial, even in the most simple form;
but more so, when employed to retain more active
medicines, to keep them in contact with the skin,
and to fit it for their absorption. Every nurse knows
how to make a poultice.
POWDERS.
401
A poor woman, who had received a very danger-
ous wound in the tendons of her thumb from a rusty
nail, called upon me some little time since. As her
case properly belonged to the department of sur-
gery, I advised her to apply to the hospital; but
the official hirelings there refused to take her in,
though I always understood that they were obliged
to take in accidents. It seems however, that some
very confined meaning was annexed to this word
by the surgeon on duty, and that he did not think
the danger of a locked jaw, to be an accident as de-
serving of his pity and immediate assistance, as a
broken arm or dislocated ancle.
The poor woman came back to me; and as her
situation became every moment more and more a-
larming, the pain and inflammation having reached
as high as the arm-pit, I advised her to apply to the
whole hand and arm a large poultice, with an ounce
of laudanum sprinkled over it, and to renew the
poultice twice a-day. This she did with so much
success, that the thumb recovered in less than three
weeks.
POWDERS.
THIS is one of the most simple forms in which med-
icine can be administered. Many medicinal sub-
stances, however, cannot be reduced into powder,
and others are too disagreeable to be taken in this
form.
The lighter powders may be mixed in any agree-
able thin liquor, as tea or water gruel. The more
ponderous will require a more consistent vehicle,
as syrup, conserve, jelly, or honey.
Gums, and other substances which are difficult
to powder, should be pounded along with the drier
ones; but those which are too dry, especially aro-
matics, ought to be sprinkled, during their pulver-
ization, with a few drops of any proper water.
2 C
179
402
POWDERS.
Aromatic powders are to be prepared only in
small quantities at a time, and kept in glass bottles,
closely stopped. Indeed no powder ought to be
exposed to the air, or kept too long, otherwise their
virtues will be in great measure destroyed.
Astringent Powder.-Take of alum and Japan
earth, each, two drachms. Pound them together,
and divide the whole into ten or twelve doses.
In an immoderate flow of the menses, and other
hæmorrhages, one of these powders may be taken
every hour, or every half hour, if the discharge be
violent.
Powder of Bole.-Take of bole armenic, or French
bole, two ounces; cinnamon, one ounce; tormentil
root and gum arabic, of each, six drachms; long
pepper, one drachm. Let all these ingredients be
reduced into a powder.
This warm, glutinous astringent powder, is given
in fluxes and other disorders where medicines of
that class are necessary, in the dose of a scruple, or
half a drachm.
If a drachm of opium be added, it will make the
Powder of Bole with Opium, which is a medicine of
considerable efficacy. It may be taken in the same
quantity as the former, but not above twice or thrice
a-day.
Carminative Powder.-Take of coriander seed,
half an ounce; ginger, one drachm: nutmegs, half
a drachm; fine sugar, a drachm and a half. Reduce
them into powder for twelve doses.
This powder is employed for expelling flatulencies
arising from indigestion, particularly those to which
hysteric and hypochondriac persons are so liable.
It may likewise be given in small quantities to
children in their food, when troubled with gripes.
Diuretic Powder.-Take of gum arabic, four
ounces; purified nitre, one ounce. Pound them to-
gether, and divide the whole into twenty-four doses.
During the first stage of the venereal disease, one
POWDERS.
403
of these powders may be taken three times a-day,
with considerable advantage.
Aromatic Opening Powder.-Take the best Turkey
rhubarb, cinnamon, and fine sugar, each, two
drachms. Let the ingredients be pounded, and after-
wards mixed well together.
When flatulency is accompanied with costiveness,
a tea-spoonful of this powder may be taken once or
twice a day, according to circumstances.
Saline Laxative Powder.-Take of soluble tartar,
and cream of tartar, each, one drachm; purified nitre,
half a drachm. Make them into a powder.
In fevers and other inflammatory disorders, where
it is necessary to keep the body gently open, one of
these cooling laxative powders may be taken in a
little gruel, and repeated occasionally.
Steel Powder.-Take filings of steel, and loaf sugar,
of each, two ounces; ginger, two drachms. Pound
them together.
In obstructions of the menses, and other cases
where steel is proper, a tea-spoonful of this powder
may be taken twice a-day, and washed down with a
little wine or water.
Sudorific Powder.-Take purified nitre, and vit-
riolated tartar, of each, half an ounce; opium and
ipecacuanha, of each, one drachm. Mix the ingre-
dients, and reduce them to a fine powder.
This is generally known by the name of Dover's
Powder. It is a powerful sudorific. In obstinate
rheumatisms, and other cases where it is necessary
to excite a copious sweat, this powder may be ad-
ministered in the dose of a scruple or half a drachm.
Some patients will require two scruples. It ought
to be accompanied with the plentiful use of some
warm diluting liquor.
Worm Powder. Take of tin reduced into a fine
powder, an ounce; Ethiop's mineral, two drachms.
Mix them well together, and divide the whole into
six doses.
404
POWDERS.
--
One of these powders may be taken in a little
syrup, honey, or treacle, twice a day. After they
have been all used, the following anthelmintic purge
may be proper.
Purging Worm Powder.-Take of powdered rhu-
barb, a scruple; scammony and calomel, of each,
five grains. Rub them together in a mortar, for one
dose. For children, the above doses must be less-
ened according to their age.
If the powder of tin be given alone, its dose may
be considerably increased. The late Dr. Alston
gave it to the amount of two ounces in three days,
and says, when thus administered, that it proved an
egregrious anthelmintic. He purged his patients
both before they took the powder, and afterwards.
Powder for the Tape Worm.-Early in the morn-
ing, the patient is to take, in any liquid, two or three
drachms, according to his age and constitution, of
the root of the male fern, reduced into a fine powder.
About two hours afterwards, he is to take, of calomel,
and resin of scammony, each, ten grains; gum gam-
boge, six grains. These ingredients must be finely
powdered, and given in a little syrup, honey, treacle,
or any thing that is most agreeable to the patient.
He is then to walk gently about, now and then
drinking a dish of weak green tea, till the worm is
passed. If the powder of the fern produce nausea
or sickness, it may be removed by sucking an orange
or lemon.
This medicine, which has been long kept a secret
abroad for the cure of the tape worn, was some time
ago purchased by the French King, and made pub-
lic for the benefit of mankind. Not having had an
opportunity of trying it, I can say nothing from ex-
perience concerning its efficacy. It seems, how-
ever, from its ingredients, to be an active medicine,
and ought to be taken with care. The dose here
prescribed is sufficient for the strongest patient; it
must, therefore, be reduced according to the age
and constitution.
STRUPS.
405
SYRUPS.
SYRUPS were some time ago looked upon as medi-
cines of considerable value. They are, at present,
however, regarded chiefly as vehicles for medicines
of greater efficacy, and are used for sweetening
draughts, julaps, or mixtures; and for reducing
the lighter powders into boluses, pills, and electu-
aries. As all these purposes may be answered by
the simple syrup alone, there is little occasion for
any other,; especially as they are seldom found but
in a state of fermentation; and as the dose of any
medicine given in this form is very uncertain. Per-
sons who serve the public must keep whatever their
customers call for, but, to the private practitioner,
nine-tenths of the syrups usually kept in the shops
are unnecessary.
Simple Syrup is made by dissolving in water, ei-
ther with or without heat, about double its weight of
fine sugar.
If twenty-five drops of laudanum be added to an
ounce of the simple syrup, it will supply the place
of diacodium, or the syrup of poppies, and will be
found a more safe and certain medicine.
The lubricating virtues of the syrup of marsh-
mallows, may likewise be supplied, by adding to
the common syrup a sufficient quantity of mucilage
of gum Arabic.
Those who choose to preserve the juice of lemon
in form of syrup, may dissolve in it, by the heat of
a warm bath, nearly double its weight of fine sugar.
The juice ought to be previously strained, and suf-
fered to stand till it settles.
The syrup of ginger is sometimes of use as a warm
vehicle for giving medicines to persons afflicted with
flatulency. It may be made by infusing two ounces
of bruised ginger in two pints of boiling water for
twenty-four hours. After the liquor has been strain-
406
TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, &c.
ed, and has stood to settle for some time, it may be
poured off, and a little more than double its weight
of fine-powdered sugar dissolved in it.
TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, &c.
Rectified spirit is the direct menstruum of the re-
sins and essential oils of vegetables, and totally ex-
tracts these active principles from sundry substan-
ces, which yield them to water either not at all or
only in part.
It dissolves, likewise, those parts of animal sub-
stances in which their peculiar smells and tastes re-
side. Hence the tinctures prepared with rectified
spirits form a useful and elegant class of medicines,
possessing many of the most essential virtues of
simples, without being clogged with their inert or
useless parts.
Water, however, being the proper menstruum of
the gummy, saline, and saccharine parts, of medici-
nal substances, it will be necessary, in the prepara-
tion of several tinctures, to make use of a weak spi-
rit, or a composition of rectified spirit and water.
Aromatic Tincture.-Infuse two ounces of Jamaica
pepper in two pints of brandy, without_heat, for a
few days; then strain off the tincture.-This simple
tincture will sufficiently answer all the intentions
of the more costly preparations of this kind. It is
rather too hot to be taken by itself; but is very pro-
per for mixing with such medicines as might other-
wise prove too cold for the stomach.
Compound Tincture of the Bark.-Take of Peruvian
bark, two ounces; Seville orange-peel and cinna-
mon, of each, half an ounce. Let the bark be pow-
dered, and the other ingredients bruised; then in-
fuse the whole in a pint and a half of brandy, for
five or six days, in a close vessel; afterwards strain.
off the tincture.-This tincture is not only benefi-
cial in intermitting fevers, but also in the slow,
TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, &c.
407
nervous, and putrid kinds, especially towards their
decline.
The dose is from one drachm to three or four,
every fifth or sixth hour. It may be given in any
suitable liquor, and occasionally sharpened with a
few drops of the spirit of vitriol.
Volatile Fœtid Tincture.-Infuse two ounces of
assafoetida in one pint of volatile aromatic spirit,
for eight days, in a close bottle, frequently shaking
it; then strain the tincture.
This medicine is beneficial in hysteric disorders,
especially when attended with lowness of spirits and
faintings. A tea-spoonful of it may be taken in a
glass of wine or a cup of penny-royal tea.
Volatile Tincture ofGum Guaiacum.-Take of
gum
guaiacum, four ounces; volatile aromatic spirit, a
pint. Infuse, without heat, in a vessel well stopped,
for a few days; then strain off the tincture.
In rheumatic complaints, a tea-spoonful of this
tincture may be taken in a cup of the infusion of
water trefoil, twice or thrice a-day.
Tincture of Black Hellebore.-Infuse two ounces
of the roots of black hellebore, bruised, in a pint of
proof spirit, for seven or eight days; then filter the
tincture through paper. A scruple of cochineal
may be infused along with the roots, to give the
tincture a colour.
In obstructions of the menses, a tea-spoonful of
this tincture may be taken in a cup of camomile
or penny-royal tea twice a-day.
Astringent Tincture.-Digest two ounces of gum
kino in a pint and a half of brandy, for eight days;
afterwards strain it for use. This tincture, though
not generally known, is a good astringent medicine.
With this view, an ounce or more of it may be taken
three or four times a-day.
Tincture of Myrrh and Aloes. - Take of gum myrrh,
an ounce and a half; hepatic aloes, an ounce. Let
them be reduced to a powder, and infused in two
408
TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, &c.
1
pints of rectified spirits, for six days, in a gentle
heat; then strain the tincture.
This is principally used by surgeons for cleansing
foul ulcers, and restraining the progress of gan-
grenes. It is also, by some, recommended as a pro-
per application to green wounds.
Tincture of Opium, or Liquid Laudanum.-Take of
crude opium, two ounces; spirituous aromatic wa-
ters and mountain wine, of each, ten ounces. Dis-
solve the opium, sliced in the wine, with a gentle
heat, frequently stirring it; afterwards add the spi-
rit, and strain off the tincture. As twenty-five drops
of this tincture contain a grain of opium, the com-
mon dose may be from twenty to thirty drops.
Sacred Tincture, or Tincture of Hiera Picra.-Take
of succotrine aloes, in powder, one ounce; Virginian
snake-root and ginger, of each, two drachms. In-
fuse in a pint of mountain wine and half a pint of
brandy, for a week, frequently shaking the bottle,
then strain off the tincture. This is a safe and use-
ful purge for persons of a phlegmatic habit; but it
is thought to have better effects taken in small doses
as a laxative.
The dose, as a purge, is from one to two ounces.
Compound Tincture of Senna.-Take of senna, one
ounce; jalap, coriander seeds, and cream of tartar,
of each, an ounce. Infuse them in a pint and a half
of French brandy for a week; then strain the tinc-
ture, and add to it four ounces of fine sugar. This
is an agreeable purge, and answers all the purposes
of the Elixir Salutis, and of Daffy's Elixir.
The dose is from one to two or three ounces.
Tincture of Spanish Flies.-Take of Spanish flies,
reduced to a fine powder, two ounces; spirit of wine,
one pint. Infuse for two or three days; then strain
off the tincture. This is intended as an acrid sti-
mulant for external use. Parts affected with the
palsy, or chronic rheumatism, may be frequently
rubbed with it.
TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, &c.
409
Tincture of the Balsam of Tolu.-Take of the Bal-
sam of Tolu, an ounce and a half; rectified spirit of
wine, a pint, Infuse in a gentle heat until the bal-
sam is dissolved; then strain the tincture.
This tincture possesses all the virtues of the bal-
sam. In coughs, and other complaints of the breast,
a tea-spoonful or two of it may be taken on a bit
of loaf sugar. But the best way of using it is in sy-
rup An ounce of this tincture properly mixed
with two pounds of simple syrup, will make what is
commonly called the Balsamic Syrup.
Tincture of Rhubarb.-Take of rhubarb, two oun-
ces and a half; lesser cardamom seeds, half an
ounce; brandy, two pints. Digest for a week, and
strain the tincture.
Those who choose to have a vinous tincture of
rhubarb, may infuse the above ingredients in a
bottle of Lisbon wine, adding to it about two ounces
of proof spirits.
If half an ounce of gentian-root, and a drachm of
Virginian snake-root be added to the above ingre-
dients, it will make the bitter tincture of rhubarb.
All these tinctures are designed as stomachics and
corroborants, as well as purgatives. In weakness of
the stomach, indigestion, laxity of the intestines,
fluxes, colicky and such like complaints, they are
frequently of great service. The dose is from half
a spoonful to three or four spoonsful or more, ac-
cording to the circumstances of the patient, and the
purposes it is intended to answer.
The Tonic Tincture.-Mix two ounces of the com-
pound tincture of Peruvian bark with the like quan
tity of the volatile tincture of valerian; and of this
mixture, a tea-spoonful in a glass of wine or water
is to be taken three or four times a-day.
I have long made use of this tincture for the re-
lief of those peculiar affections of the stomach and
bowels, such as indigestion, &c. which generally
accompany nervous diseases. I do not say that the
410
TINCTURES, ELIXIRS, &c.
tincture will cure those complaints, nor do I know
of any medicine that will; but where a complete cure
cannot be rationally expected, relief is certainly a
very desirable object.
Paregoric Elixir.-Take of flowers of benzoin,
half an ounce; opium, two drachms. Infuse in one
pint of volatile aromatic spirit, for four or five
days, frequently shaking the bottle ; afterwards
strain the elixir.
This is an agreeable and safe way of administer-
ing opium. It eases pain, allays tickling coughs,
relieves difficult breathing, and is useful in many
disorders of children, particularly the hooping
cough.
The dose to an adult is from fifty to a hundred
drops.
Sacred Elixir.-Take of rhubarb, cut small, ten
drachms; succotrine aloes, in powder, six drachms;
lesser cardamom seeds, half an ounce; French
brandy, two pints. Infuse for two or three days,
then strain the elixir. This useful stomachic purge
may be taken from one ounce to an ounce and a
half.
Stomachic Elixir.-Take of gentian-root, two oun-
ces; Curassoa oranges, one ounce; Virginian snake-
root, half an ounce. Let the ingredients be bruised,
and infused for three or four days in two pints of
French brandy; afterwards strain out the elixir.
This is an excellent stomachic bitter. In flatulen-
cies, indigestion, want of appetite, and such like
complaints, a small glass of it may be taken twice.
a-day. It likewise relieves the gout in the stomach,
when taken in a large dose.
Acid Elixir of Vitriol.-Take of aromatic tincture,
one pint; oil of vitriol, three ounces. Mix them
gradually, and, after the fæces have subsided, filter
the elixir through paper, in a glass funnel.
This is one of the best medicines which I know
for hysteric and hypochondriac patients, afflicted
VINEGARS.
411
with flatulencies, arising from relaxation or debility
of the stomach and intestines. It will succeed
where the most celebrated stomachic bitters have
no effect. The dose is from ten to forty drops in a
glass of wine or water, or a cup of any bitter infu-
sion, twice or thrice a-day. It should be taken
when the stomach is most empty.
Camphorated Spirit of Wine.-Dissolve an ounce
of camphor in a pint of rectified spirits.
This solution is chiefly employed as an embro-
cation in bruises, palsies, the chronic rheumatism,
and for preventing gangrenes.
The above quantity of camphor, dissolved in half
a pint of the volatile aromatic spirits, makes
Ward's Essence.
Spirit of Mindererus.-Take of volatile sal ammo-
niac, any quantity. Pour on it gradually, distilled
vinegar, till the effervescence ceases. This medi-
cine is useful in promoting a discharge both by the
skin and urinary passages. It is also a good ex-
ternal application in strains and bruises.
When intended to raise a sweat, half an ounce of
it in a cup of warın gruel may be given to the pa-
tient, in bed, every hour till it has the desired effect,
VINEGARS.
VINEGAR is an acid produced from vinous liquors
by a second fermentation. It is a useful medicine
both in inflammatory and putrid disorders. Its ef-
fects are to cool the blood, quench thirst, counter-
act a tendency to putrefaction, and allay inordinate
motions of the system. It likewise promotes the
natural secretions, and in some cases excites a copi-
ous sweat, where the warm medicines, called alexi-
pharmic, tend rather to prevent that salutary eva-
cuation.
Weakness, faintings, vomitings, and other hyster-
ic affections, are often relieved by vinegar applied
412
VINEGARS.
to the mouth and nose, or received into the stomach.
It is of excellent use also in correcting many poi-
sonous substances, when taken into the stomach
and in promoting their expulsion, by the different
emunctories, when received into the blood.
;
Vinegar is not only a useful medicine, but serves
likewise to extract, in tolerable perfection, the vir-
tues of several other medical substances. Most of
the odoriferous flowers impart to it their fragrance,
together with a purplish or red colour. It also as-
sists or coincides with the intention of squills, gar-
lic, gum ammoniac, and several other valuable me-
dicines.
These effects, however, are not to be expected
from every thing that is sold under the name of vin-
egar, but from such as is sound and well prepared.
The best vinegars are those prepared from French
wines.
It is necessary for some purposes, that the vine-
gar be distilled; but as this operation requires a
particular chemical apparatus, we shall not insert
it.
Vinegar of Litharge.-Take of litharge, half a
pound; strong vinegar, two pints. Infuse them to-
gether in a moderate heat for three days, frequent-
ly shaking the vessel; then filter the liquor for use.
This medicine is little used from a general no-
tion of its being dangerous. There is reason, how-
ever, to believe that the preparations of lead with
vinegar are possessed of some valuable properties,
and that they may be used in many cases with safe-
ty and success.
A preparation of a similar nature with the above
has of late been extolled by Goulard, a French sur-
geon, as a safe and extensively useful medicine,
which he calls the Extract of Saturn, and orders to
be made in the following manner:
Take of litharge, one pound; vinegar made of
French wine, two pints. Put them together in a
VINEGARS.
413
glazed earthen pipkin, and let them boil, or rather
simmer, for an hour, or an hour and a quarter, tak-
ing care to stir them all the while with a wooden
spatula. After the whole has stood to settle, pour
off the liquor which is upon the top, into bottles for
use.
With this extract Goulard makes his vegeto-min-
eral water, which he recommends in a great variety
of external disorders, as inflammations, burns,
bruises, sprains, ulcers, &c.
He likewise prepares with it a number of other
forms of medicine, as poultices, plasters, ointments,
powders, &c.
Vinegar of Roses.-Take of red roses half a pound,
strong vinegar, half a gallon. Infuse in a close ves-
sel, for several weeks, in a gentle heat, and strain
off the liquor.
This is principally used as an embrocation for
head-aches, &c.
Vinegar of Squills.-Take of dried squills, two
ounces; distilled vinegar, two pints. Infuse for ten
days or a fortnight in a gentle degree of heat, after-
wards strain off the liquor, and add to it about a
twelfth part its quantity of proof spirits.
This medicine has good effects in disorders of the
breast, oocasioned by a load of viscid phlegm. It is
also of use in hydrophic cases, for promoting a dis-
charge of urine.
The dose is from two drachms to two ounces, ac-
cording to the intention for which it is given. When
intended to act as a vomit, the dose ought to be large.
In other cases, it must not only be exhibited in
sinall doses, but also mixed with cinnamon water,
or some other agreeable aromatic liquor, to pre-
vent the nausea it might otherwise occasion,
414
WATERS BY INFUSION.
1
}
WATERS BY INFUSION, &c
Lime-water.-Pour two gallons of water gradual-
ly upon a pound of fresh-burnt quicklime, and when
the ebullition ceases, stir them well together; then
suffer the whole to stand at rest, that the lime may
settle, and afterwards filter the liquor through pa-
per, which is to be kept in vessels closely stopt.
The lime-water from calcined oyster-shells is pre-
pared in the same manner.
Lime-water is principally used for the gravel; in
which case, from a pint or two or more of it may be
drunk daily. Externally it is used for washing foul
ulcers, and removing the itch and other diseases of
the skin.
Compound Lime-Water.-Take shavings of guaia-
cum wood, half a pound; liquorice-root, one ounce;
sassafras bark, half an ounce; coriander seeds, three
drachms; simple lime-water, six pints.
Infuse without heat for two days, then strain off
the liquor.
In the same manner may lime-water be imprez
nated with the virtues of other vegetable substances,
Such impregnations not only render the water more
agreeable to the palate, but also a more efficacious
medicine, especially in cutaneous disorders, and
foulness of the blood and juices.
Sublimate_Water.-Dissolve eight grains of the
corrosive sublimate in a pint of cinnamon water.
If a stronger solution be wanted, a double or tre-
ble quantity of sublimate may be used.
The principal intention of this is to cleanse foul
ulcers and consume proud flesh.
Styptic Water.-Take of blue vitriol and alum,
each, an ounce and a half; water, one pint. Boil
them until the salts are dissolved; then filter the li-
quor, and add to it a drachm of the oil of vitriol.
This water is used for stopping a bleeding of the
SIMPLE DISTILLED WATERS.
415
nose and other hæmorrhages; for which purpose,
cloths or dossils dipt in it must be applied to the
part.
Tar Water.-Pour a gallon of water on two pounds.
of Norway tar, and stir them strongly together with
a wooden rod; after they have stood to settle for two
days, pour off the water for use.
Though tar-water falls greatly short of the char-
acter which has been given it, yet it possesses some
medicinal virtues. It sensibly raises the pulse, in-
creases the secretions, and sometimes opens the bo-
dy, or occasions vomiting.
A pint of it may be drunk daily, or more if the
stomach can bear it. It is generally ordered to be
taken on an empty stomach, viz. four ounces morn-
ing and evening, and the same quantity about two
hours after breakfast and dinner.
SIMPLE DISTILLED WATERS.
A great number of distilled waters were formerly
kept in the shops, and are still retained in some Dis-
pensatories. But we consider them chiefly in the
light of grateful dilutents, suitable vehicles for me-
dicines of greater efficacy, or for rendering disgust-
ful ones more agreeable to the palate and stomach.
We shall therefore insert only a few of those which
are best adapted to these intentions.
The management of a still being now generally
understood, it is needless to spend time in giving
directions for that purpose.
Cinnamon Water-Steep one pound of cinnamon
bark, bruised, in a gallon and a half of water and
one pint of brandy, for two days; and then distill off
one gallon.
This is an agreeable aromatic water, possessing,
in a high degree, the fragrance and cordial virtues
of the spice.
Pennyroyal Water.-Take of pennyroyal leaves,
416
SPIRITUOUS DISTILLED WATERS,
dried, a pound and a half; water, from a gallon and
a half to two gallons. Draw off, by distillation, one
gallon.
This water possesses, in a considerable degree,
the smell, taste, and virtues, of the plant. It is giv-
en in mixtures and julaps, to hysteric patients.
An infusion of the herb in boiling water answers
nearly the saine purposes.
Peppermint Water.-This is made in the same
manner as the preceding.
Spearmint Water.-This may also be prepared in
the same way as the pennyroyal water.
Both these are useful stomachic waters, and will
sometimes relieve vomiting, especially when it pro-
ceeds from indigestion or cold viscid phlegm. They
are likewise useful in colicky complaints, the gout
in the stomach, &c. particularly the peppermint
water.
An infusion of the fresh plant is frequently found
to have the same effect as the distilled water.
Rose Water.-Take of roses, fresh gathered, six
pounds; water, two gallons. Distill off one gallon,
This water is principally valued on account of its
fine flavour.
Jamaica Pepper Water.-Take of Jamaica pepper,
half a pound; water, a gallon and a half. Distill one
gallon.
This is a very elegant distilled water, and may,
in some cases, supply the place of the more costly
spice waters.
SPIRITUOUS DISTILLED WATERS.
Spirituous Cinnamon Water.-Take of cinnamon
bark, one pound; proof spirit and common water,
of each, one gallon. Steep the cinnamon in the li-
quor for two days, then distill off one gallon.
Spirituous Jamaica Pepper Water. Take of Ja-
maica pepper, half a pound; proof spirit, thrce gal-
WHEYS.
417
lons; water, two gallons. Distill off three gallons.
This is a sufficiently agreeable cordial, and may
supply the place of the Aromatic Water.
WHEYS.
Alum Whey.-Boil two drachms of powdered a-
lum in a pint of milk till it is curdled; then strain
out the whey.
This whey is beneficial in an inordinate flow of
the menses, and in a diabetes or excessive discharge
of urine.
The dose is two, three, or four ounces, according
as the stomach will bear it, three times a day. If it
should occasion vomiting, it may be diluted.
Mustard Whey.-Take milk and water, of each, a
pint; bruised mustard seed, an ounce and an half.
Boil them together till the curd is perfectly separat-
ed; afterwards strain the whey through a cloth.
This is the most elegant, and by no means the
least efficacious, method of exhibiting mustard. It
warms and invigorates the habit, and promotes the
different secretions. Hence in the low state of ner-
vous fevers, it will often supply the place of wine.
It is also of use in the chronic rheumatism, palsy,
dropsy, &c. The addition of a little sugar will ren-
der it more agreeable.
The dose is an ordinary tea-cupful four or five
times a-day.
Scorbutic Whey.-This whey is made by boiling
half a pint of the scorbutic juices in a quart of cows'
milk. More benefit, however, is to be expected
from eating the plants, than from their expressed
juices.
The scorbutic plants are, bitter oranges, brook-
lime, garden scurvy-grass, and water cresses.
A number of other wheys may be prepared nearly
in the same manner, as orange whey, cream of tar-
tar whey &c. These are cooling, pleasant drinks in
179
2 D
418
WINES.
fevers, and may be rendered cordial, when necessary,
by the addition of wine.
WINES.
raise the pulse, pro-
habit, and exhilarate
besides these effects,
The effects of wine are, to
mote perspiration, warm the
the spirits. The red wines,
have an astringent quality, by which they strength-
en the tone of the stomach and intestines, and by
this means prove serviceable in restraining immo-
derate secretions.
The thin sharp wines have a different tendency.
They pass off freely by the different emun ctories,
and gently open the body. The effects of the full-
bodied wines are, however, much more durable than
those of the thinner.
All sweet wines contain a glutinous substance,
and do not pass off freely. Hence they will heat
the body more than an equal quantity of any other
wine, though it should contain fully as much spirit.
From the obvious qualities of wine, it must ap-
pear to be an excellent cordial medicine. Indeed,
to say the truth, it is worth all the rest put together.
But, to answer this character, it must be sound
and good. No benefit is to be expected from the
common trash that is often sold by the name of wine,
without possessing one drop of the juice of the
grape. Perhaps no medicine is so rarely obtained
genuine than wine.
Wine is not only used as a medicine, but is also
employed as a menstruum for extracting the virtues
of other medicinal substances; for which it is not
ill adapted, being a compound of water, inflamma-
ble spirit, and acid; by which means it is enabled
to act upon vegetable and animal substances, and
also to dissolve some bodies of the metallic kind, so
as to impregnate itself with their virtues, as steel,
antimony, &c.
WINES.
419
Anthelmintic Wine.- Take of rhubarb, half an
ounce; worm seed, an ounce. Bruise them and in-
fuse without heat in two pints of red port wine for
a few days, then strain off the wine,
As the stomachs of persons afflicted with worms
are always debilitated, red wine alone will often
prove serviceable. It must, however, have still bet-
ter effects when joined with bitter and purgative in-
gredients, as in the above form.
A glass of this wine may be taken twice or thrice
a-day.
Antimonial Wine.-Take glass of antimony, reduc-
ed to a fine powder, half an ounce; Lisbon wine,
eight ounces. Digest without heat, for three or
four days, now and then shaking the bottle; after-
wards filter the wine through paper.
The dose of this wine varies according to the in-
tention. As an alterative and diaphoretic, it may
be given from ten to fifty or sixty drops. In a
large dose it generally proves cathartic, or excites
vomiting.
Bitter Wine.-Take of gentian-root, yellow rind
of lemon-peel, fresh, each, one ounce; long pepper,
two drachins; mountain wine, two pints. Infuse
without heat for a week, and strain out the wine for
use.
In complaints arising from weakness of the sto-
mach, or indigestion, a glass of this wine may be
taken an hour before dinner and supper.
Ipecacuanha Wine.-Take of ipecacuanha, in pow-
der, one ounce; mountain wine, a pint. Infuse for
three or four days; then filter the tincture. This
is a safe vomit, and answers extremely well for such
persons as cannot swallow the powder, or whose sto-
machs are too irritable to bear it.
The dose is from an ounce to an ounce and a half.
Chalybeate or Steel Wine.-Take filings of steel,
two ounces; cinnamon and mace, of each, two
drachms; Rhenish wine, two pints. Infuse for
420
WINES.
three or four weeks, frequently shaking the bottle;
then pass the wine through a filter.
In obstructions of the menses, this preparation of
steel may be taken in the dose of half a wine-glass
twice or thrice a-day.
This medicine would probably be as good if made
with Lisbon wine, sharpened with half an ounce of
the cream of tartar, or a small quantity of the vit-
riolic acid.
Stomachic Wine.-Take of Peruvian bark, grossly
powdered, an ounce; cardamom seeds, and orange-
peel, bruised, of each, two drachms. Infuse in a
bottle of white port or Lisbon wine for five or six
days; then strain off the wine.
This wine is not only of service in debility of the
stomach and intestines, but may also be taken as a
preventive, by persons liable to the intermittent
fever, or who reside in places where the disease
prevails. It will be of use likewise to those who re-
cover slowly after fevers of any kind, as it assists.
digestion, and helps to restore the tone and vigour
of the system.
A glass of it may be taken two or three times a
day.
INDEX.
ABORTION, causes and symptoms of, 265. Means of
vention, 266. Proper treatment in the case of, ib.
ABSCESSES, how to be treated, 296.
ACCIDENTS... See Casualties.
pre-
ACIDS, of peculiar service in consumptions, 34. In putrid
fevers, 45. Not suitable in the measles, 68.
ACIDITIES in the bowels of infants, the origin of, 278.
Method of cure, 279.
AGARIC of the oak, its merits as a styptic, 299.
AGUE, a species of fever no person can mistake, and the
proper medicine for, generally known, 7. Causes of,
ib. Symptoms, ib. Regimen for, 8. Under a proper
regimen, will often go off without medicine, ib. Me-
dical treatment of, ib. Often degenerates into obsti-
nate chronical diseases, if not radically cured, 10. Peru-
vian bark, the only medicine to be relied on in, ib.
Children how to be treated in, 11. Preventive medicine
for those who live in marshy countries, 12.
AIR, fresh, often of more efficacy in diseases than me-
dicine, 2. States of, liable to produce putrid fevers, 3.
Must be kept cool and fresh in sick chambers under this
disorder, 6. Change of, one of the most effectual re-
medies for the hooping-cough, 9. The qualities of, a
material consideration for asthmatic patients, 181. Fresh,
of the greatest importance in fainting fits, 326.
AMERICAN Indians, their method of curing the venereal
disease, 256.
ANASARCA. See Dropsy.
ANTHONY'S fire, St.-See Erysipelas.
APHTHE.-See Thrush.
Cautions to
APOPLEXY, who most liable to this disorder, 183. Causes,
ib. Symptoms and method of cure, 184.
persons of an apoplectic make, 185.
APOTHECARY's weights, a table of, 355.
APPETITE, want of, causes and remedies for, 189.
ARBUTHNOT, Dr. his advice in the inflammation of the
lungs, 25.
422
INDEX.
ARSENIC, the effects of, on the stomach, 227.
treatment when the symptoms appear, 228.
ASCITES.-See Dropsy.
ASSES' milk, why it seldom does any good, 31.
tions for taking it, ib.
Medical
Instruc-

ASTHMA, the different kinds of this disorder distinguish-
ed, with its causes, 180. Symptoms, ib. Regimen,
181,
Medical treatment, 182. Remedies proper in the
moist asthma, ib.
ATMOSPHERE.-See Air.
BALSAMs, how to prepare. Anodyne balsam, 368. Loca-
telli's balsam, ib. Vulnerary balsam, 369.
BANDAGES. tight, produce most of the bad consequences
attending fractured bones, 309.
BARK, Peruvian, how to be administered in the ague, 9.
A decoction or infusion of, may be taken by those who
cannot swallow it in substance, 10. How it may be
rendered more palatable, ib. Cold water the best men.
struum for extracting the virtues of this drug, 36. How
to be administered in the putrid fever, 48; and in the
erysipelas, 75. In an inflammation of the eyes, 83. Its
efficacy in a malignant quinsey, 90. A good medicine
in vomiting, when it proceeds from weakness of the
stomach, 120. Is good against the piles, 131; and worms,
156. Its use dangerous for preventing a fit of the gout.
167. A good remedy in the King's-evil, 177; and in the
fluor albus, 263.
BARLEY water, how made, 19.
BARRENNESs in women, the general causes of, 274. Course
of relief, 275.
BATH, is peculiarly excellent for strengthening the ner-
vous system, 195. Therefore should never be omitted
in gleets, 246. Is good for ricketty children, 292. A.
poplexies frequently occasioned by the improper use of,
328. Absurd prejudices against, ib. Nothing contri-
butes more to permanent health, ib. A single plunge
or dip sufficient; continuing too long in it dangerous, ib.
Morning the most proper time for bathing, ib. Rules
to be observed in the use, 329. Is peculiarly salutary in
scrofulous complaints, ib. Sea-water preferable to ri-
ver-water, 330.
BATH, warm, of great service in an inflammation of the
stomach, 100.
BEDS, soft, are injurious to the kidneys, 108.
BILIOUS Colic, symptoms and treatment of, 106,
INDEX.
423
BILIOUS fever.-See Fever.
BITE of a mad dog.-See Dog.
BITTERS, warm and astringent, antidotes to agues, 10.
Are serviceable in vomiting, when it proceeds from weak-
ness of the stomach, 120.
BLADDER, inflammation of, its general causes, 111.
dical treatment of, ib.
-, stone in.-See Stone.
BLAST.-See Erysipelas.
BLEEDING, in the ague, 9.
Me-
Its importance in the acute
When neces-
In the pu-
Mode of, proper, in
Is always necessary
When proper and
continual fever, 15. In the pleurisy, 19.
sary in the inflammation of the lungs, 26.
trid fever, 47. When useful in the measles, 68. When
necessary in the bilious fever. 71. Under what circum-
stances proper in the erysipelas, 75.
an inflammation of the brain, 79.
in an inflammation of the eyes, 82.
improper in a cough, 93. When proper in the hooping-
cough, 97. In an inflammation of the intestines, 102.
Is proper in an asthma, 182. Is dangerous in fainting-
fits, without due caution, 209. Cautions proper in a pu-
erperal fever, 271. In what cases it ought to be had re-
course to, 295. The quantity taken away, how to be re-
gulated, 296. General rules for the operation, ib.
BLEEDING at the nose, spontaneous, is of more service
where bleeding is necessary, than the operation of the
lancet, 19. Ought not to be stopped without due con-
sideration, 130.
BLISTERS, peculiarly advantageous in the nervous fever,
41.
When only to be applied in the putrid fever, 47.
Seldom fail to remove the most obstinate inflammation
of the eyes, 82. A good remedy in the quinsey, 93. Pro-
per for a violent hooping-cough, 99. Is one of the best
remedies for an inflammation of the stomach, 100.
BLOOD, involuntary discharge of, often salutary, and ought
not to be rashly stopped, 126. The several kinds of these
discharges, with their usual causes, 127. Methods of
cure, 128.
spitting of, who most subject to, and at what sea-
sons, 133. Its causes, 134. Symptoms, ib. Proper
regimen in, 135. Medical treatment, ib.
, vomiting of, its causes and symptoms, 136. Me-
dical treatment, 137.
BLOODY-flux.-See Dysentery.
BOLUSES, general rules for the preparing of, 369. The as-
424
INDEX.
Pectoral
tringent bolus, 379. Diaphoretic bolus, ib. Mercurial bo-
lus, ib. Bolus of rhubarb and mercury, ib.
bolus, ib. Purging bolus, ib.
BONES, broken, regimen to be adopted after the accident,
307. Hints, if the patient is confined to his bed, 308. Clean-
liness to be regarded during his confinement, ib. The
limb not to be kept on the stretch, ib. Cautions to be
observed in setting a bone, 309. Tight bandages con-
demned, ib. How to keep the limb steady by an easy
method, ib. Fractures of the ribs, 310.
BOWELS, inflammation of.—See Stomach.
BRAIN, inflammation of, who most liable to it, with its
causes and symptoms, 76. Regimen, 78. Medical treat-
ment, 79.
BREAD, toasted, a decoction of, good to check the vomit-
ings in cholera morbus, 116.
BRIMSTONE.-See Sulphur.
BROTHS, gelatinous, recommended in the dysentery, 118.
BRUISES, why of worse consequences than wounds, 302.
Proper treatment of, ib. The exfoliation of injured
bones a very slow operation, 303. How to cure sores oc-
casioned by, ib.
BUBOES, two kinds distinguished, with their proper treat-
ment, 249.
BURGUNDY pitch, a plaster of, between the shoulders an
excellent remedy in a cough, 95. In a hooping-cough,
99.
BURNS, slight, how to cure, 301. Treatment of, when vio-
lent, ih. Liniment for, 398.
CABBAGE leaves, topical application of, in a pleurisy, 21.
CAMPHOR, Why of little use in eye-waters, 374.
CAMPHORATED oil, preparation of, 399.
CANCER, its different stages described, with the producing
causes, 221. Symptoms, 222. Regimen and medica
treatment, 223. Dr. Storck's method of treating this dis-
order, 224.
CARROT poultice for cancers, how to prepare, 225.
CASUALTIES, substances stopped in the gullet, 313.
drowning, 318.
extremity of cold, 321.
CATAPLASMS, their general intentions, 371. Preparations
of the discutient cataplasm, ib. Ripening cataplasm, ib.
CATARACT, the disorder and its proper treatment describ-
cd, 219.
CHANCRES described, 250.
Symptomatic, 251.
Primary, how to treat, ib.
INDEX.
425
CHILBLAINS, cause of, 285.
How to cure, ib.
CHILD-BED Women, how to be treated under a miliary fe-
← ver, 270.
CHILD-BIRTH, the season of, requires due care after the
labour pains are over, 267. Medical advice to women in
labour, 268. How to guard against the miliary fever,
270. Symptoms of the puerperal fever, ib. Proper treat-
ment of this fever, 271. General caution for women at
this season, 272.
CHILDREN, indications of the small-pox in, 56.
CHOLERA MORBUS, the disorder defined, with causes and
symptoms, 115. Medical treatment, 116.
CLARE, Mr., his method of applying saline preparations of
mercury in venereal cases, 255.
CLEANLINESS, the want of, a very general cause of putrid
fevers. 48. And of galling in infants, 280.
CLYSTERS, a proper form of, for an inflammation of the
stomach, 101. And after an inflammation of the intes-
tines, 102. Of chicken-broth, salutary in the cholera
morbus, 116. Their use in suppression of urine, 124. Of
tobacco, to excite a vomit, 318. Of tobacco fumes, to
stimulate the intestines, 319. The general intention of
372. Preparation of the emollient clyster, 373.
tive clyster, ib. Carminative clyster, ib. Oily clyster,
ib. Starch clyster, ib. Turpentine clyster, 374. Vine-
gar clyster, ib.
Laxa-
COLD, extreme, its effects on the human frame, 321. The
sudden application of heat dangerous in such cases, ib.
How to recover frozen or benumbed limbs, 322.
COLDS, their general causes, 92. Proper regimen on the
symptoms appearing, ib, Danger of neglecting the dis-
order, 94.
COLICS, different species of, 104. Medical treatment of, ac-
cording to the species of, 105. Bilious colic, 106. Hys-
teric colic, 107. Nervous colic, 108. Cautions neces-
sary to guard against the nervous colic, ib.
CONFECTIONS, often very needlessly compounded, 375.
Preparation of the Japonic confection, ib.
CONSERVES AND PRESERVES, general remarks on, and
their composition, 376. Of red roses, ib. Of sloes, ib.
Candied orange peel, 377
CONSUMPTION, who most liable to, and its cause, 27. Symp-
toms, 29. Regimen, 30.
Regimen, 30. Riding, ib. Much benefit to
be expected from going a long voyage, ib. Travelling,
ib. Diet, ib. Great efficacy of milk in, 31. Medical
treatment, 34.
426
INDEX.
CONSUMPTION, nervous, defined, and the persons most
liable to, 37. Proper treatment of, ib.
Symptomatic, the treatment of, must be di-
rected to the producing cause, 38.
CONVULSIONS, those preceding the eruption of small-pox,
favourable symptoms, 57. The general causes of, 292.
Proper treatment of, ib.
CORDIALS are often fatal in an inflammation of the stom-
ach, 100. Ought not to be given to a pregnant woman
during labour, 267.
CORN, damaged, will produce fever, 43.
COSTIVENESs, its general causes and ill effects, 186. Re-
gimen, 187. Remedies for, 188.
COUGHS, the proper remedies for, 92.
A plaster of Bur-
gundy-pitch, laid between the shoulders, an excellent re-
medy for, 95. The stomach cough and cough of the
lungs distinguished, 96.
CouGu, hooping, who most liable to, with its disposing
causes, 96. Remedies, 97, Is infectious, ib. Vomits
their use, and how to administer them to children, ib.
Cow-pox, remarks on, 341. Mode of inoculation with, ib.
Description of the symptoms which accompany the
genuine, 342. Treatment, 347. Inoculation with, when
advisable, ib.
CRAMP, proper remedies for, 215.
in the stomach, who most subject to, 204. Me-
dical treatment of, 205.
CROTCHETS, how to use, for extracting substances detain-
ed in the gullet, 313.
CROUP in children described, 286. Its symptoms and pro-
per treatment, 287.
DEATH, the evidences of, sometimes fallacious, and ought
not to be too soon credited, 313.
DECOCTIONS, general remarks on, 378. Preparation of
the decoction of althæ, ib. Common decoction, ib. Of
logwood, 379. Of bark, ib. Compound decoction of
bark, ib. Of sarsaparilla, ib. Of seneka, 380. White
decoction, ib.
DIABETES, who most liable to this disorder, 121.
Its
causes and symptoms, ib. Regimen and medical treat-
ment, 122.
DISEASES, the knowledge of, depends more upon experi-
ence and obscrvation, than upon scientific principles,
1. Are to be distinguished by the most obvious and
permanent symptoms, 2. The difference of age, sex,
and constitution, to be considered, 2. Of the mind, to
INDEX.
427
be distinguished from those of the body, ib. Climate,
situation, and occupation, to be attended to, ib. Other
collateral circumstances, ib. Many indications of cure
to be answered by diet alone, 3. Cures often effected
by fresh air, by exercise, or by cleanliness, ib. Nervous
diseases, of a complicated nature, and difficult to cure,
191.
DISLOCATION should be reduced before the swelling and
inflammation come on, and how, 304. Of the jaw, 305.
Of the shoulder, 306. Of the elbow, 307.
DIURETIC INFUSION FOR THE DROPSY, how to prepare,
160.
DOG, symptoms of madness in, 230.
Ought to be care-
fully preserved, after biting, to ascertain whether he is
mad or not, 231. Is often reputed mad when he is not
so, ib. Symptoms of a bite of a mad dog, ib. The poison
cannot lie many years dormant in the body, as is sup-
posed, ib. Dr. Mead's receipt for the bite, 232. The fa-
mous East India specific for, 233. Other receipts, 234.
Vinegar of considerable service in this disorder, ib.
DOSES of medicine, the relative proportions of, for different
ages, 354.
DRAM'S ought to be avoided by persons afflicted with ner-
vous disorders, 193.
DRAUGHT is the proper form for such medicines as are in-
tended for immediate operation, 381. How to prepare
the anodyne draught, ib. Diuretic draught, ib. Purg-
ing draught, ib. Sweating draught, 382. Vomiting
draught, ib.
DROPSY, the several distinctions of, with its causes, 160.
Symptoms, 161. Regimen, ib. Medical treatment, 162.
DRÓWNED PERSONS ought not to be rashly given up for
dead, 318. Proper trials for the recovery of, 319. En-
deavours ought not to be suspended upon the first re-
turn of life, 320.
DYSENTERY, when and where most prevalent, 140. Its
causes and symptoms, ib. Regimen, 141. Fruit, one of
the best remedies for, 142. Proper drink for, ib. Me-
dical treatment, 143. Cautions to prevent a relapse, 144.
EAR-ACHE, its causes and proper treatment for, 150. How
to drive insects out of the ear, ib.
EFFLUVIA, putrid, will occasion the spotted fever, 45.
ELECTRICITY, beneficial in the palsy, 199.
ELECTUARIES, general rules for making, 382, Prepara-
tion of lenitive electuary, 383. Electuary for the dysen-
428
INDEX.
tery, 383. For the epilepsy, ib. For the gonorrhoea, 384.
Of the bark, ib. For the piles, ib. For the palsy, 385.
For the rheumatism, ib.
ELIXIR, paregoric, how to prepare, 412. Sacred elixir, ib.
Stomachic elixir, ib. Acid elixir of vitriol, ib.
EMULSIONS, their use, 385. Preparations of the common
emulsion, ib. Arabic emulsion, ib. Camphorated emul-
sion, ib. Emulsion of gum-ammoniac, 886. Oily e-
mulsion, ib.
ENGLEMAN, Dr. his account of the German method of re-
covering persons from fainting fits, 325.
EPILEPSY, the disorder defined, 200. Its causes and symp-
toms, 201. Due regimen, 202. Medical treatment, ib.
ERUPTIONS, in fevers, how to be treated, 59. In children,
the causes of, 284, How to cure, 285,
ERYSIPELAS, its causes explained, and who most subject
to it, 72. Its symptoms, 73. Regimen, 74. Medical
treatment, ib. The scorbutic erysipelas, 76. Instruc-
tions for those who are subject to this disorder, ib.
EXERCISE is often of more efficacy than any medicine
whatever, 3. The best mode of taking, in a consump-
tion, 30. Is of the greatest importance in a dropsy, 160.
s necessary for the asthmatic, 180. Is superior to all
medicine in nervous disorders, 191. And in the palsy,
198. Is proper for pregnant women, unless they are of
a very delicate texture, 264. Want of, the occasion of
rickets in children, 289.
EXTRACTS, general rules for making, but are more con-
veniently purchased ready made, 386.
EYES, inflammation of, its general causes, 79. Symptoms,
80. Medical treatment, 82. How to be treated when
it proceeds from scrofulous habits, 83. Advice to those
who are subject to this complaint, ib.
EYE-WATERS, general remarks on, and their principal in-
tentions, 374. Collyrium of alum, ib. Vitriolic colly-
rium, 375. Collyrium of lead, ib.
FAINTING-FITS, how to cure, 207.
Cautions to persons
subject to them, 208. Bleeding dangerous in, 209.
FEET, bathing them in warm water, a good remedy in a
cold, 93. And in the hooping cough, 99.
FEVERS, the most general causes of, enumerated, 3. The
distinguishing symptoms of, 4. The several species of,
ib. Is an effort of nature which ought to be assisted,
ib. How this is to be done, ib. Fresh air of great im-
portance in, 5. Longings the calls of nature, and de-
serve attention, ib.
INDEX.
429
FEVER, acute continual, who most liable to, 12. Causes,
ib. Symptoms, 13. Regimen. ib.
Regimen. ib. Medical treatment,
15. Symptoms favourable and unfavourable, 16.
gimen to be observed during recovery, 17.
Re-
—, bilioas, general time of its appearance, 71. Pro-
per treatment of, according to its symptoms, 72.
, miliary, from what the name derived, and its gen-
eral appearances, 50. Who most liable to it, ib. Causes
ib. Symptoms, 51, Regimen, 52. Proper medical treat-
ment, 53.
, milk, how occasioned, 269.
How to prevent, ib.
, nervous, why more common than formerly, and
who most liable to it. 38. Its causes, ib. Symptoms
and proper regimen, 39. Medical treatment, 41.
-, puerperal or childbed, the time of its attack, and
symptoms, 270. Medical treatment of, 271. Cautions
for the prevention of this fever, 273.
putrid, is of a pestilential nature, and who most
liable to it, 42. Its general causes, ib. Symptoms of,
43. Other fevers may be converted to this by improper
treatment, 44. Favourable and unfavourable symptoms
of, ib. Regimen, 45. Medical treatment, 47. Cautions
for the prevention of this disorder, 49.
-, remitting, derivation of its name, 54. Its causes
and symptoms, ib. Proper regimen, 55. Medical treat-
ment, ib.
scarlet, why so named, and its usual season of
attack, 70. Proper treatment of, ib. Is sometimes at-
tended with putrid and malignant symptoms, 77.
-, secondary, in the small-pox, proper treatment of,
64.
FLATULENCIES in the stomacn, remedies against, 209.
The several causes of, 210. Medical treatment of, ib.
FLATULENT COLIC, its causes and seat of the disorder, 104.
Remedies for, 105.
FLUOR ALBUs described, with its proper treatment, 262.
FOMENTATIONS, how to make and apply, 387.
General
intentions of, ib. Anodyne fomentation, ib. Aromatic
fomentation, ib. Common fomentation, 388. Emol-
lient fomentation, ib. Strengthening fomentation, ib.
FROZEN LIMBs, how to recover, 321.
FRUIT, ripe, one of the best medicine both for the preven-
tion and cure of a dysentery, 144.
GALLING, in infants, the cause and cure of, 280.
GANGRENE, proper treatment of, 296.
430
INDEX.
GARGLES FOR THE THROAT, how to make, 90.
General
intentions of, 388. Method of making the attenuating
gargle, ib. Common gargle, 389. Detergent gargle, ib.
Emollient gargle, ib.
GINGER, Syrup of, how to prepare, 411.
GLEET, how occasioned and its symptoms, 245. Regi
men, 257. Obstinate gleets cured by mercurial injec-
tions, ib. How to apply bougies, 248.
GONORRHEA, virulent, the nature of, and its symptoms,
238. Regimen, 239. Medical treatment, 240. Is often
cured by astringent injections, ib. Cooling purges al
ways proper in, ib. Mercury seldom necessary in a gon-
orrhoea, 242. How to administer it when needful, ib.
GOUT, the sources of this disorder, and its symptoms, 164,
Regimen for, 166. Wool the best external application
in, ib. Proper medicines after the fit, 167. Proper re-
gimen in the intervals between the fits, to keep off their
return, ib.
GRAVEL, how distinguished from the stone, 124, Causes
and symptoms, ib. Regimen, 125. Medical treatment,
126.
GREEN SICKNESS originates in indolence, 263.
GRIEF is productive of nervous diseases, 191.
GRIPES IN INFANTS, proper treatment of, 275.
GULLET, how to remove substances detained in, 313. Cau-
tions for the use of crotchets with this intention, ib.
Other mechanical expedients, 314. Treatment if the ob-
structions cannot be removed, 316.
GUMS OF CHILDREN, application to, during teething, and
how to cut them, 287.
GUTTA SERENA, proper treatment of, 218.
Harrogate WATER, an excellent medicine for expelling
worms, 337. And for the jaundice, ib. In scurvy, ib.
HEAD-ACHE, the species of, distinguished, 145. Causes, ib.
Regimen, 147. Medical treatment, 148.
HEART-BURN, the nature of this disorder, with its causes
and remedies for, 189.
HEMLOCK, a good remedy in the King's evil, 177. Is re-
commended by Dr. Storck for the cure of cancers, 221.
HEMPSEED, a decoction of, good in the jaundice, and how
to prepare it, 157.
HICCUP, its causes and method of treatment, 209.
HOFFMAN, his rules for guarding child-bed women against
the miliary fever, 270.

INDEX.
431
HYDROPHOBIA, Dr. Tissot's method of curing, 236.
HYPOCHONDRIAC AFFECTIONS, their causes, and who most
subject to them, 215. The gencral intentions of cure,
216. Regimen, 217.
HYSTERICS, general causes of, 212. Symptoms, ib. Pro-
per treatment of, 213. Regimen, ib. Medicines adapt-
ed to, 214.
HYSTERIC COLIC, symptoms and treatment of, 107.
JAUNDICE, the different stages of its appearance, with the
causes of this disorder, 157. Symptoms and regimen,
158. Medical treatment, 159.
INCONTINENCY OF URINE, distinguished from a diabetes,
121. Expedient for relief, ib.
INDIGESTION, general causes and remedies for, 188.
INDOLENCE is the general cause of most nervous disor-
ders, 191.
INFANTS, reflections on the many evils they are exposed
to, 275. Why their first disorders are in their bowels,
ib. How to cleanse their bowels, ib. The meconium,
276. Thrush, 277. Acidities, 278. Gripes, 279. Gall-
ing, and excoriation, 280. Stoppage of the nose, ib.
Vomiting, 281. Looseness, 282. Eruptions, 283. Scab.
bed head, 284. Chilblains, 285. The Croup, 286. Teeth-
ing, 287. Rickets, 289. Convulsions, 292. Water in
the head, 294.
INFECTION, small-pox, 179.
INFLAMMATIONS, proper treatment of, 296.
INFUSIONS, advantages over decoctions, 390. How to ob-
tain rich infusions from weak vegetables. ib. Prepar-
ation of the bitter infusion, ib. Infusion of the bark, ib.
Infusion of carduus, ib. Of linseed, $91. Of roses, ib.
Of tamarinds and senna, ib. Spanish infusion, 392.
For the palsy, ib.
INOCULATION OF THE COW-POX, a prevention from infec-
tion by the small-pox, 341. Manner of performing the
operation, 342. When most advisable, ib.
INSECTS, When they creep into the ear, how to force them
out, 150. Poisonous, the bites of, how to be treated,
237.
INTESTINES, inflammation of, general causes from whence
it proceeds, 101. The symptoms, ib. Regimen and
medical treatment, 102. Cautions to guard against it,
104.
Iтсn, the nature and symptoms of the disease described,
178. Sulphur the best remedy against, ib.
432
INDEX.
JULAPS, the form explained, 392. Preparation of the cam-
phorated julap, ib. Cordial julap, 393. Expectorating
julap, ib. Musk julap, ib. Saline julap, ib. Vomiting
julap, 394.
KIDNEYS, inflammation of, its general causes, 108.
Its
symptoms, and proper regimen, 109. Medical treat-
ment, 110.
LABOUR in child-bed, medical advice for, 267.
When
LAUDANUM, how to be administered in a cholera morbus,
115. In a looseness, 117. In a diabetes, 121.
proper for a head-ache, 148.
LEECHES are proper to apply to children where inflamma-
tions appear in teething, 288. Objections to bleeding
with them, 295.
LEMONS.-See Oranges.
LIFE may frequently be restored when the appearances of
it are suspended by sudden casualties, 313, 318, 321.
LIME-WATER, happy effects of, in the cure of obstinate ul-
cers, 303.
LINIMENT for burns, preparation of, 577. White lini-
ment, ib. For the piles, ib. Volatile liniment, ib.
LIVER, inflammation of, its causes and symptoms, 112.
Regimen and medical treatment, 113. Abscess in, how
to be treated, 114. Cautions in the event of a schirr-
us being formed, ib.
LOBELIA, an American plant used by the natives in the
venereal disease, 256.
LOCHIA, a suppression of, how to be treated, 269.
LOOSENESS, its general causes, 117. A periodical loose-
ness ought never to be stopped, 118. Medical treat-
ment according to its various causes, ib. In children,
proper treatment of, 282.
LUES, confirmed, symptoms of, 253. Mercury the only
certain remedy known in Europe for this case, 254.
Saline preparations of mercury more efficacious than
the ointment, 255. How to administer corrosive sub-
limate, ib. American method of curing, 426.
MAGNESIA ALBA, a remedy for the heart-burn, 190.
MALT liquors, hurtful in the asthma, 181.-See Beer.
MEAD, Dr., his famous recipe for the bite of a mad dog,
230.
MEASLES, have great affinity with the small-pox, 66.
Cause and symptoms, ib. Proper regimen and medi-
cine, 68.
MECONIUM, the best mode of expelling it, 276.
INDEX.
433
MEDICINES have more virtue attributed to them than
they deserve, 3. Many retained which owe their repu-
tation to credulity, 849. Are multiplied and compound-
ed in proportion to ignorance of the causes and nature
of diseases, 350. Disadvantages of compounded medi-
cines, 351. Are often adulterated for the sake of colour,
352. The relative proportion of doses of, for different
ages, 354. A list of such medical preparations as ought
to be kept for private use, 356.
MELANCHOLY, defined, with its causes, 195. Symptoms
and regimen, 196. Medical treatment, 197.
MENSTRUAL discharge in women, the commencement
and decline of, the most critical periods of their lives,
257. Confinement injurious to growing young women,
ib.; and tight lacing for a fine shape, 258. Symptoms
of the first appearance of this discharge, 259. Objects
of attention in regimen at this time, 260. Ought to be
restored whenever unnaturally obstructed, and how,
ib. When an obstruction proceeds from another mala-
dy, the first cause is to be removed, 261. Treatment un-
der a redundancy of the discharge, ib. Regimen and
medicine proper at the final decline of the menses, 263.
MRRCURY may be given in desperate cases of an inflam-
mation of the intestines,103. Is seldom necessary in a
gonorrhoea, 242. How to administer it when needful
in that disorder, ib. Rubbing in the ointment the
means of administering, 244. Is the only certain reme-
dy known in Europe for the cure of a confirmed lues,
254. Saline preparations of, more efficacious than the
mercurial ointment, 255. How to administer corrosive
sublimate in venereal cases, ib.
MEZEREON root a powerful assistant in venereal, 256.
MILK, of more value in consumptions than the whole
Materia Medica, 31. Its great efficacy in the scurvy,
173.
MILLIPEDES, how to administer for the hooping-cough,
96.
MIND, diseases of, to be distinguished from those of the
body, 2.
MINERAL WATERS. Are of considerable service in weak-
ness of the stomach, 188. Tunbridge waters are of ser-
vice in bracing the system, 333. Are an active purga-
tive, 334. Pyrmont and Spa waters serviceable in the
gout, &c. 335. Purging Chalybeates, of Cheltenham
and Scarborough, an excellent laxative, ib. Simple Sa-
179
2 E
434
INDEX.
line mineral waters of Bagnigge, Kilburn, and Acton,
336. Harrogate waters of use in eruptions of the skin,
337. Bath waters afford relief in colics, ib. Direction
for the use of, 338. Recommended in green sickness,
palsy, gout, hypochondria, jaundice, &c., 839. Mat-
lock tepid springs, ib. Bristol waters efficacious in re-
laxations of the stomach, &c. ib.
MIXTURES, general remarks on this form of medicines,
394. Composition of the astringent mixture, ib. Diu-
retic mixture, 395. Laxative absorbent mixture, ib.
Saline mixture, ib. Squill mixture, ib.
MOUTH, cautions against putting pins or other dangerous
articles into, 313.
MUSCULAR exercise, a cure for the gout, 164.
MUSK is a good remedy in the epilepsy, 203; and for the
hiccup, 204.
NERVOUS diseases, the most complicated and difficult to
cure of all others, 191. General causes of, ib. Syınp-
toms of, ib. Regimen, 193, Medical treatment, 194.
colic, its causes and symptoms, 108.
NIGHT-MARE, its causes and symptoms described, 206.
Proper treatment of, ib.
NIGHT-SHADE, an infusion of, recommended in a cancer,
221.
NITRE, purified, is an efficacious remedy in the dropsy, 164.
Nose, stoppage of, in children, how to cure, 280.-See
Bleeding at.
OINTMENT for the itch, 179. Use of ointments when ap-
plied to wounds and sores, 396. Preparation of yellow
basilicum, ib. Emollient ointment, ib. Eye ointment,
397. Issue ointment, ib. Ointment of lead, ib. Mer-
curial ointment, ib. Ointment of sulphur, 398. Oint-
ment for diseases of the skin, ib.-See Liniment.
OPIATES, efficacious in a colera morbus, 116.
In a dia-
betes, 121.
ORANGE and lemon-peel, how to candy, 377. How to
preserve orange and lemon-juice in the form of syrup, ib.
PALSY, the nature of this disorder explained, with its
causes, 198. Medical treatment, 199.
FERIPNEUMONY, who most subiect to, 24.
Its causes,
symptoms, and proper regimen, 25.
PHYMOSIS described, and how to treat, 252.
PILES, bleeding and blind, the distinction between, 130.
Who most subject to the disorder, ib. General causes,
ib. Medical treatment of, 131. Periodical discharges
INDEX.
435
of, ought not to be stopped, 131. Proper treatment of the
blind piles, 132. External ointments of little use, ib.
PILLS, purging, proper form of, for an inflammation of the
intestines, 103. The general intention of this class of
medicines, 399. Preparation of the composing pill, 400.
Deobstruent pill, ib. Fætid pill, ib. Hemlock pill, ib.
Mercurial pill, 401. Mercurial sublimate pill, ib. Plum-
mer's pill, ib. Purging pill, 402. Pill for the bile, ib.
Pill for the jaundice, ib. Stomachic pill, 403. Squill
pill, ib. Strengthening pill, ib.
PLASTERS, the general intention of, and their usual basis,
463. Preparation of the common plaster, 404. Adhe-
sive plaster, ib. Anodyne plaster, ib. Blistering plas-
ter, ib. Gum plaster, 405. Mercurial plaster, ib. Sto-
mach plaster, ib. Warm plaster, 406. Wax plaster, ib.
PLEURISY, the nature of the disorder explained, with its
causes, 17. Symptoms, 18. Regimen, ib. Medical
treatment, 19. A decoction of seneka reckoned a spe-
cific in, 22. Bastard pleurisy, 23.
POISONS, the nature and cure of, a general concern and
easily acquired, 22. Mineral poisons, 227. Vegetable
poisons, 228. Bites of poisonous animals, 230. Bite of
a mad dog, ib. Bite of a viper, 237.
POULTICES proper for inflamed wounds, 406. General in-
tentions of, ib. Extraordinary case of the good effects
of, 407.
Sudori-
Purging powder, 410.
POWDERS, general instruction for making and administer-
ing, 407. Astringent powder, preparation and doses
of, 408. Powder of bole, ib. Carminative powder, ib.
Diuretic powder, ib. Aromatic opening powder, 409.
Saline laxative powder, ib. Steel powder, ib.
fic powder, ib. Worm powder, ib.
Powder for the tape worm, ib.
Pox, small, who most liable to, and at what season, 56.
Its causes and symptoms, 57. Favourable aud unfa-
vourable symptoms in, 58. Regimen, ib. How the
patient ought to be treated during the eruptive fever,
59. Children in this disorder ought not to lie together
in the same bed, 60. Should be allowed clean linen,
ib. Medical treatment, 61. The secondary fever, 64,
When and how to open the pustules, 65.
PREGNANCY, how to treat vomiting when the effects of,
264, Rules of conduct for women under the disorders
incident to, 265. Causes and symptoms of abortion,
436
INDEX.
265. How to guard against abortion, ib. Treatment in
cases of abortion, ib. Child-birth, 267.
PURGES, their efficacy in agues, 8. Proper form of, for
an inflammation of the intestines, 102. Cooling purges
always proper in a gonorrhœa, 241. Form of a gentle
purge for infants disordered in the bowels, 283. For the
thrush, 277.
PUSTULES, in the small pox, favourable and unfavourable
appearance of, 58. The suppuration of, to be promoted,
61. When and how to open, 65.
QUINSEY, a common and dangerous disorder, and to
whom most fatal, 84. Its causes, ib. Symptoms, 85.
Regimen, ib. Medical application, 86. How to pro-
mote suppuration, 87. How to nourish the patient
when he cannot swallow, ib.
, malignant, who most subject to, and its causes,
88. Its symptoms, ib. Regimen and medical treat-
ment, 89.
REPLETION, how to treat a looseness produced by, 117.
Respiration, how to restore in a drowned person, 318.
RHEUMATISM, acute and chronic distinguished, 168. Causes
ib. Symptoms, 169. Medical treatment, 170.
RICKETS, the causes of, 289. Symptoms, 290. Regimen
and medical treatment, 291.
RUPTURES are chiefly incident to children and very old
people, 311. The causes respectively, ib. Method of
treatment, ib. Cutting should be avoided, if possible,
312.
SAL-PRUNELLA, its good effects in a quinsey, 86.
SALIVATION not necessary in the cure of the venereal dis-
ease, 243.
SCABBED head in children, difficult to cure, 284. Medical
treatment, ib.
SCHIRRUS in the liver, proper regimen in the case of, 112.
See Cancer.
SCROFULA, nature of this disease, and its causes, 174.
Symptoms and regimen, 175. Medical treatment, 176.
SCURVY, where most prevalent, and the two distinctions
of, 171. Causes of, ib. Symptoms and cure, 172. Ex-
traordinary effects of milk, 173. Proper liquors, ib.
SEA-WATER, a good remedy in the king's evil, 177.
SINAPISM, the general intentions of, 371.
making, ib.
Directions for
SPIRITS, lowness of, the general forerunner of a nervous
fever, 38. The proper remedies for, 41.
INDEX.
437
1
SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, when good in the colic, 105.
And
for gouty complaints in the stomach, 153. Should be
avoided by all persons afflicted with nervous disorders,
193.
SPONGE, its use in extracting substances stopped in the
gullet, 315.
SPOTS in the eye, how to treat, 220.
SQUINTING, how to correct the habit of, 220.
STAYS, the wearing tends to promote cancers in the
breast, 221.
STICKING-PLASTER is the best application for slight wounds
300.
STOMACH, inflammation of, a disorder that calls for im-
mediate assistance, 99. Its causes, ib. Symptoms, ib.
Regimen, 100. Medical treatment, ib.
Me-
STONE, this disorder how distinguished from the gravel,
124. Causes and symptoms, 125. Regimen, ib.
dical treatment, 126.
STRAINS, proper method of treating, 310.
SUBLIMATE, corrosive, how to administer in venereal
cases, 255.
SULPHUR, a good remedy for expelling worms, 153. And
for the itch, 178.
SWOONINGS, the several causes of, described, 207. Pro-
per treatment of this disorder, 208.
SYMPTOMS, the difference of sex, age, and constitution to
be considered, 2.
SYNCOPE, proper treatment in, 222,
SYRUPS, the general intention of, 411.
How to make sim-
ple syrup, and to modify it for particular purposes, ib.
TAR, Barbadoes, its efficacy in the nervous colic, 108.
TARTAR, Soluble, a good remedy for the jaundice, 159.
Cream of, a good remedy in the dropsy, 163. And rheu-
matism, 169.
TEETHING, the disorders attending, 287. Regimen and
medical treatment in, ib. Application to the gums, and
how to cut them, 289.
TESTICLES, Swelled, the cause of, 248. Regimen and me-
dicine in, ib.
THRUSH, in infants, the disorder and its causes describ-
ed, 277. Medical treatment of, ib.
TINCTURES and BLIXIRS, the proper medicines to exhibit
in the form of, 412. Preparation of the aromatic tinc-
ture, ib. Compound tincture of the bark, ih. Volatile
fœtid tincture, 413. Volatile tincture of gum guaiacum,
438
INDEX.
413. Tincture of black hellebore, ib. Astringent tinc-
ture, ib. Tincture of myrrh and aloes, ib. Tincture of
opium, or liquid laudanum, 414. Tincture of hiera pi-
cra, ib. Compound tincture of senna, ib. Tincture of
Spanish flies, ib. Tincture of the balsam of Tolu, 415.
Tincture of rhubarb, ib. Tonic tincture, ib,
TOBACCO, a clyster or a decoction of, useful to excite a
vomit, 319. A clyster of the fumes of, will stimulate the
intestines, and produce a stool, ib.
TOOTH-ACHE, the general causes of, 149.
Medical treat-
ment of. ib. When recourse must be had to extrac-
tion, ib.
TUMOURS, proper treatment of, 298.
TURNER'S cerate, preparation of, 396.
VINEGAR should be sprinkled in sick chambers, 15, 45. Is
of considerable service in the bite of a mad dog, 230.
And in any kind of poison, 234.
Its medical proper-
ties, 417. Is of use to extract the virtues of several
medicinal substances, ib. How to prepare vinegar of
litharge, 418. Vinegar of roses, 419. Vinegar of squills,
ib.
VIPER, the bite of, the sufficiency of the grease for the
cure of, doubted, 837. Method of treatment recom-
mended, ib.
VITRIOL, elixir of, an excellent medicine in the weakness
of the stomach, 189.
ULCERS, proper treatment of, according to their different
natures, 303. Lime-water a good remedy, 301.
VOMITS, their use in agues, 8. And in the nervous fever,
39. Cautions for administering in the putrid fever, 47.
Are useful in cases of repletion, 117. Are powerful re-
medies in the jaundice, 159. Are the first objects to be
pursued when poison has been received into the stom-
ach, 227. Their use in the hooping-cough, and how to
administer them to children, 98. Form of a gentle one,
for infants disordered in the bowels, 275.
VOMITING, the several causes of, 119.
Medical treatment
of, 120. Causes of, in children, 281. How to be treat-
ed, ib. Of blood.—See Blood.
VOYAGE, a long one frequently cures a consumption, 30.
Voyages have an excellent effect on persons afflicted
with nervous disorders, 193.
URINE, Diabetes, 121. Suppression of, medical treat-
ment in, 123. Bloody, causes of, 137. Medical treat
ment of, 138.
INDEX.
439
WATER in the head is a disorder chiefly incident to child-
ren, 294. Its causes, symptoms, and proper treatment,
ib.
by infusion, how to prepare; Lime-water, 420,
Compound lime-water, ib. Sublimate-water, ib. Styp-
tic-water, ib. Tar-water. 421.
WATERS, simple-distilled, their medical uses, 421. Pre-
paration of cinnamon-water, ib. Pennyroyal-water,
ib. Peppermint-water, 422. Spearmint-water, ib. Rose>
water, ib. Jamaica pepper-water, ib.
, spirituous-distilled, how to prepare, 422. Spiri
tuous cinnamon-water, ib. Spirituous Jamaica-pepper
water, ib.
WATERY eye, how to cure, 220.
WATKINSON, Dr., his dying request, 400.
WEATHER, states of, which produce the putrid fever, 43.
WHEY, an excellent drink in a dysentery, 14; and the
rheumatism, 170. Alum whey, 423. Mustard whey, ib.
Scorbutic whey, ib.
WINE, good, almost the only medicine necessary in a
nervous fever, 40.
WINES, the medical properties of 424. Their use in extract-
ing the virtues of medical substances, ib. Preparation
of anthelmintic wine, 425. Antimonial wine, ib. Bit-
ter wine, ib. Ipecacuanha wine, ib. Chalybeate or steel
wine, ib. Stomachic wine, 426.
WOMB, inflammation of, its symptoms, 269. Medical
treatment of, ib.
WOMEN, exposed to a miliary fever during pregnancy,
50. Their constitution injured by living too much with-
in doors, 51. Those who work in the open air almost
as hardy as men, ib. Fluor albus, with its proper treat-
ment described, 262. Advice to, at the ceasing of the
menses, 263. Rules of conduct during pregnancy, 264.
Causes and symptoms of abortion, 265. How to guard
against abortion, ib. Treatment of cases of abortion,
266 Instruction at the time of child-birth, 267. Cause
of the milk fever, ib. How to guard against the miliary
fever, ib. The puerperal fever, 26. General cautions
for women in child-bed, 271. Causes of barrenness, 274.
WOOL, the best external application in the gout, 164.
WORMS, three principal kinds of, distinguished, 153. Symp
toms of, 154. Causes, ib. Medical treatment for, 155.
Remedy for children, 157. General cautions for pre
serving children from them, ib.
440
INDEX.
了
​WORT, recommended for the scurvy, and proper to drink
at sea, 173. Is a powerful remedy in cancerous cases,
221.
WOUNDS are not cured by external applications, 298. Are
cured by nature, ib. Proper course of treatment, ib.
How to stop the bleeding, 299. Cautions against im-
proper styptics, ib. Method of dressing them, 300. Poul-
tices for inflamed wounds, ib. Regimen, ib.
ZINC, the flowers of, a popular remedy for the epilepsy,
200.
THE END.
MILNER AND SOWERBY, PRINTERS, HALIFAX.

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
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